Chic Chick

Calling all Teen Altered Artists...

2007-09-08T06:19:00.000-05:00

Well, how exciting is this? I've been asked to write an article for Listen magazine about altered art! I'm really, super excited!!!

An important piece of the article is getting quotes and feedback from teens who actually do altered art. If you know of any teens interested in altered art/mixed media or if you are a teen who is interested in either, will you P-L-E-A-S-E contact me? Pretty please?

Something Old, Something New...

2007-08-23T18:56:00.000-05:00

For awhile I have been feeling a little torn about my blog. It started as a cottage-style, vintage and art sort of place, and now due to my "green" inspirations, has taken a different sort of turn. In order to keep things neat and tidy (or at least attempt to!), I've started a new blog "A Chick with a Conscience" If you are interested in environmentalism, humane treatment of animals and humanitarian efforts (along with bits and pieces of living more simply, more frugally and better on less), I think you might find it interesting!

I do plan to continue to post here off and on, but will try to keep this blog specifically set up for posts about vintage/homemaking type posts, along with any cottage-y ideas and inspirations. See ya over there (I hope!).

Falling in Love (at first site)...

2007-08-13T17:27:00.000-05:00

This is a yurt. Tucked into a thicket of woods in rural Maine, it was so beautiful, rustic and unexpectedly comfortable, I felt completely happy and in love. I loved it's rounded sides and the pretty handmade chairs, the benches gathered up around the fire, the tiny, efficient kitchen area with everything hanging from its own special hook or tucked away in sliding wooden trays. I loved the forest and the smell of the trees and the canopy of leaves dancing overhead. I loved the patches of bright blue sky peeking through the more sparse areas of branches. I loved the clear dome top that allowed me to see the bright stars overhead before falling asleep. It sort of felt like an on-the-ground treehouse.

To the right, is the solar shower-also a first for me. There is something so right about bathing outdoors. I'm far from an exhibitionist-one of my sisters says I was born with clothes on(!) but this I fell in love with. The black plastic bag hanging from the pole was filled with water which was warmed by the sun. There was a nozzle and shower head coming from the bag that you could turn on or off as you needed water. My one regret is that I didn't use the shower a little earlier in the day. The water was pretty chilly by the time I got in, just before supper. Still, it was wonderful. Now I'm scheming to figure out how I can have one of my very own in the back yard...but privacy is much more of an issue on a small piece of land so I will need to do some creative thinking!

I told you the kitchen area was cute! The folks that own Frost Mountain Yurts thought of EVERY detail, many I would never have thought of myself. It was a lot of fun cooking on the propane stove, which heats a lot faster than my own electric one.

This romantic and rustic dinner for two was leisurely prepared in the late evening, just in time to need a pretty candle flickering. When I was little I was a bit obsessed with "Little House on the Prairie" and talked my mother into buying me a blue enamel set of dishes similar to these to have my meals in.

Doesn't it Seem...

2007-08-11T15:41:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it seem that bike riding and other outdoor activities are ten times more fun and freeing when you do them like you did them when you were a kid?

I just went on a gorgeous summer bike ride...I was surfing the internet (one of my favorite pursuits but I say it shamefaced), and thought "Wow. It's really gorgeous out! Wouldn't it be fun to take a bike ride?" and I did and it was.

Now I'm sitting back at the computer because while I was riding I kept feeling that I-need-to-write feeling. My heart is still beating fast, my brow is a little sweaty and I feel all tingly. When I was a kid biking was my one freedom, the one time I could be completely alone and I cherished that. Growing up with three older sisters, two parents and a large German Shepard in 1200 square feet of living space, you would have too.

There is something though, in feeling the wind in your hair as you careen down a hill, feeling your heart hammer in your chest as you work your way up one, and thinking that you are doing it for FUN and because you want to, not because you need to get your heart rate in a certain range or you just ate "something sinful" and now better burn it off. Exercise really and truly is a great gift we can give ourselves, but I often forget that and think of it as exercise, like a dirty word. I think it should be called something else completely-exercise brings to mind exhausting aerobic classes or toning sessions where your instructor yells at you like a gym sargent to lift your quivering leg 10 more times. But movement, in it's true form is enjoyable and loving. Dancing, yoga, walking, strolling, biking, playing outdoor games...movement has a much better connotation for me.

Oh, I love it!

2007-08-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

I am now officially addicted to green blogs and all the great eco-friendly shops and sites on the internet~who knew? I have a tendency to go full steam when I'm into something, and this is no different. However, instead of just reading about all the depressing statistics, I'm reading about all the great, incredible, fantastic and innovative things people are doing and it's making me so happy!

This site has such a creative idea to help save the elephants...recycled "poo" (sterilized) and made into stationary! My sister, Aimee, bought me a set for Christmas and I absolutely LOVE it. It's thick, heavy, and pretty and it helps elephants which I love.

Then I found this blog which is inspiring. The author is a journalist and lives in Toronto but is making all these green changes regardless of living in a big, commercial place. Often I have been guilty (am still at times) of thinking/saying, "Well, it would be easier to be green/live more sustainably if only I had a few acres in the country/worked less hours/had "green" friends, etc." Posters like this remind me that there is PLENTY I can be doing right here and right now, on my little 3/4 acre lot.

I also found this blog which is dedicated to doing one good thing after another...and then there are my old standbys: Simple Living and Mother Earth News.

So much inspiration~makes a girl's head spin...

Is There a Job for Me?

2007-08-02T17:41:00.000-05:00

When I was little, I certainly never thought "I want a completely pointless and useless job when I grow up. I want to push papers around and re-type documents and sit in my air conditioned office on my bum and watch the natural world outside of a window that doesn't open."

A few weeks ago, sitting in said office, staring out said un-opening window, I wrote this:

I wonder what it is that makes me impossible to please at work. Like an unhappy and ridiculously picky suitor I hone in on each and every negative workplace nuance and explore it until there is nothing left but an empty shell. “Too boring. Too stressful. Too beneath me. The expect me to do what?” I’m quite a princess in the workplace. Maybe it comes from having such a great home life. Often the people who thrive at work, especially those who overwork or let their entire lives revolve around their jobs, are those with less harmonious home lives. They work so hard and give so much because there is nothing at home for them to look for. Maybe it’s because I’m so happy in my little colorful nest, so happy with my sweet, calm husband and furry pets and cool family, that I find it so difficult to find happiness at work. I’m not sure, but would love to solve this mystery once and for all.
I know other people who dislike their jobs, but somehow they just keep plugging away at them, year after tedious year. In a way I envy those people. They know how to really make it stick. They know how to tough it out. When the going gets tough they don’t run away, resume flapping in hand. They stay put and meet the challenges head-on, or at least hibernate quietly until they are over. There must be a certain security that comes from that. A certain feeling of pride that they toughed it out, they didn’t let work get the best of them.
I’ve never had that feeling. When the days get rough, I start scanning the want ads. Maybe THIS time, it will be the right place. Maybe here it will be different… It never is. Of course, I rationally know that no place is perfect. There will never be a group of people that you completely get along with, never a place with extra high staff morale and positive, thrilling work that excites you everyday. I know this, rationally. But some part of me keeps thinking Is this it, then? This is the best it’s going to be? Really? Because some whimsical, unrealistic, dreamy part of me doesn’t want to believe it. Doesn’t want to believe that work means lists of menial tasks, coworkers who don’t share your point of view (or any opinions other than their own), and sleepy afternoons when you want to lay your head down on your keyboard and have a nap (or a good cry). Part of me refuses to believe that work has to feel like drudgery and that bosses can treat you like a gnat, change the rules at any given moment and then wait for you to smile and nod your approval. Part of me can’t believe that for the next thirty-odd years, this is life. Bland space, windows that won’t open, bosses who don’t respect, desk drawers that stick, coworkers moans rising in unison, nominal raises with a pat on the head. Can it really be true? Is it too much to ask for work that makes you feel fulfilled and proud? A job that gives a little back when you put so much into it? Long vacations and well wishes? Color and light and beauty and fulfillment?
Maybe in fact, it is too much to ask. But you know what? I’m asking anyway.

And I am asking. Only very quietly and a little too timidly at the moment. Changing careers is a very scary thing and starting over where you know nothing and no one and, may feel completely incompetant is very scary indeed. But if I look back in 5, 10, or 20 years, won't being stuck in the very same place seem scarier still?

A Farm Girl Extravaganza...

2007-07-29T18:59:00.000-05:00

Wow~what a day! This was the first annual Farm Girl Sale for myself and group of 3 others...and what a sale it was!

We worried this week as each of us scoured the weather reports which forecasted rain, rain, a thunder shower and yet more rain. The morning was misty and foggy when I got up at 5:15 to start loading the truck with all my goodies, a process in itself. I was pretty proud that I managed to haul in a full sized dresser and large rolling craft table on my own (though I did score a few black & blue marks on various body parts doing so). I sweaty, hot and hungry when I finally pulled into my sister's yard and surveyed the canopies we had set up the night before. Then it was unpack, unbox, chuck empty boxes under the table and greet my friends and sister as each in turn came out to set up their own wares.

What a lot of fun we had~and the weather? GORGEOUS! It was sunny and hot with a nice cool breeze all day. We laughed, talked, ate yummy food and swapped a few "must have" items. A perfectly lovely day~I can't wait till sale time next year, girls!

Simply Amazing...

2007-07-28T07:10:00.001-05:00

Wow~this family is incredible. A husband, wife and 2 y.o. daughter have decided to live without electricity, modern indoor plumbing, and to avoid contributing to CO2 waste by not using transportation other than their own feet-all this in New York City, consumerism capital of the northeast! The blog is aptly called LowImpactMan.

I have to say as I was reading it last night, it got my little wheels spinning. Now, first of all, I wouldn't want to do something this drastic right at this point in my life for an entire year...but could I do it for a day? A week? I mentioned it to my husband who's first (common sense) thought was "What will we do with all the food in the fridge/freezer?" Hmmmm, good point. This started me thinking about cooking in general-how does this family eat hot foods? Or don't they? Do I have that many sandwich recipes in my repertoire? I had a quick image of me hauling a cast iron fry pan out to the backyard fire ring after work... But the family doing the one year experiment started with just a week, so there must be a way, right?

I've also been ultra-inspired by The Compact which, for those of you who haven't heard of it, is a group of people in California who began a one-year experiment to try to live with just the bare necessities: Food, hygiene products (Toilet paper, etc.), and underwear. There's a story about it here by USA Today. That's it~no new anything else. They are allowed to purchase from thrift stores or obtain used things through craigslist.org or freecycle.org. Personally, because they are able to buy used, it doesn't seem like it would be a very hard challenge...but then, you don't see ME running to sign up! It would be much more difficult to not BUY anything for a year, except the aforementioned food, hygiene items and underwear. But THAT is a little extreme for me. I wonder though....

Go check out LowImpactMan..this blog is fascinating and there are lots of great links on the blogroll...even if you aren't especially interested in simple living, this blog is very intriguing and well-written. Take a peek!

I Have a Feeling...

2007-07-20T06:08:00.001-05:00

I have a feeling that is just perculating in the back of my mind. It's not quite fully developed just yet, but I can feel it back there, readying itself...

It has to do with our innate drive to hunt and gather. When our ancestors were alive that is how they spent almost all their time during the day, right? What if THAT is one of the reasons that we feel we need to "stock up" on sale items and buy extras "just in case"? What if it's because of this long ago instinct, handed down subconsciously from one generation to the next that we feel the need to buy, consume, focus on material things? Of course, as I write this part of me is saying "Well, it COULD have something to do with the constant bombardment of the media. It COULD have something to do with the fact that we Americans tend to measure our worth by what we own/consume/have that others don't." And yeah, I'm sure that plays into it greatly. But what if by consuming and worrying about keeping up with the Joneses, we are really trying to fill the very primitive need we have to hunt and gather?

To test my theory out, I'm conducting an unscientific (but fun!) experiment. This summer I have done a few things when the urge to shop hits me: I've started gathering....produce. I made my first ever batch of canned goods a few weeks ago (homemade garlicky pickles), I've picked/cleaned/frozen strawberries and raspberries for winter and I'm starting a list of items to buy for the holidays now, so that I can start stocking up and hopefully get all the shopping/creating done for the holidays long before they arrive. I can't explain it exactly, but I DO feel like there is some part of me inside that just sighs with pleasure every time I've completed one of these tasks. It feels good to know that I'm preparing things now that we can enjoy later. It feels so old-fashioned and pioneering to "put up" things for winter. Though I don't have enough produce from our garden to can, I do plan to frequent the local organic produce stand and farmer's market and do a lot more canning this summer.

Here's to living more simply...

Living Authentically...

2007-07-16T06:15:00.000-05:00

Lately, I feel that I've had a real wake up call: I have to find a way to live more of my values and less of my ego.

My ego is very fragile. Sometimes it thinks that what other people think/have/do/say is of the utmost importance. My values are pretty strong and basic: I want time to make meaningful connections with family and friends. I want to take time to savour life, not live it on auto pilot. I want to make a difference in the world-make this a better journey for another being. I want to love more and worry less. I want to appreciate all I've been given and not spend much time at all wishing things were different/better/easier. I want to live simply and passionately and completely alive.

I have been bombarding myself with material in this area: Watching my "Affluenza" tape (a show about paring down and living more simply and better), finally seeing "An Inconvenient Truth", and reading voraciously any books/magazines/message boards on living better on less and leaving some resources for some of the other billions of people I share the planet with.

I think what is hardest of all, for me, is the fact that 97% of the people I know are NOT interested in simple living/questioning materialism/environmentalism, and making the world a better place. That sounds awful~I don't mean that I am better than anyone else because I am interested in those things. There are plenty of people who do WAY more than I do in one or all of the above mentioned subjects who would probably look at ME as a bad example for any of the four....

I guess what I mean really is this: I don't want to live for things anymore. I don't want my life to be about buying things/cleaning things/organizing things, working a job I don't particularly like to pay for more things, etc. I want my life to be filled up with so many simple, beautiful pleasures that I don't have to look to a store or an online shop to try to find what will make me happy. I want to make some changes, but this time slowly, deliberately and with much love and care. It's nothing I need to rush or force or hurry myself to do. I think I know deep down what is most important and what isn't and I will take the time I need to uncover those things for myself.

A Big, Busy World...

2007-07-16T06:01:00.000-05:00

I just finished a book that changed my life. It's Material World: A Global Family Portrait. Now, I know what you are thinking (or at least what I think when I hear that something like a simple book changes someone's life). "How can a simple book change someone's life???" Read this book and see if you don't feel different for yourself.

The concept is this: 30 families from around the world place all their possessions in front of their homes, and the photographer snaps a photo. It's an interesting concept, but what is most fascinating to me is the personal information about the family and the statistics about the family and country they live in. For instance, while reading every single entry I noticed that each family of 3-10 lived in a much smaller living space than I do. MUCH smaller in some circumstances. And I truly don't think my house is all that big! As a matter of fact, I feel embarassed to admit how many hours of my life I have spent wishing my house were "different" and "improved" and how much time I've spent worrying about how I can remodel/change/make it better.

I think what the book does most for me is puts things in perspective and helps me to see really and truly, how connected we all are on this planet. It helped me to see I had things in common with women living on the other side of the world...little things that I never would have known about. It also showed me the differences: The freedoms and luxuries that I have every single day that other women don't have. It was completely eye-opening and I hope you will check it out for yourself.

A Few New Things...

2007-06-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

Today it was raining when I went out for my early morning walk. I walked a different route than normal and strolled through an old cemetary nearby. I wish I had brought my camera (isn't that always the way?). There was a thick mist hanging over the back portion of the graveyard, near the tree line. And (how perfect is this in an Edgar Allen Poe way?) there were ravens (ok, crows) standing in the front portion of the cemetary. It felt so mystical and I swear when I breathed in the cool, misty bits of air I felt charged somehow...

The photo above is my new friend...she's very quiet and always listens patiently~I took this on a previous adventure to the same cemetary. Other people may find me morbid, but I love old graveyards; all the ancient stones and sculptures and all the beautiful moss and wear that they often show off. Only OLD graveyards though, not new ones. I stay away from newer stones too, they don't have that same aesthetic beauty to me.

Along the line of new things like my friend above, I'm working on a new blog and a website to go along with it. I've hesitated writing about it here, because now I will have to be accountable for actually going through with it...which is exactly what I need. I realize I've come quite a long way in some regards, to the whole concept of ChicChick. I'm sort of in a transition place...working on changing careers and changing other aspects of my life right along with that. I will most likely keep this blog going, for sharing the day to day simple pleasures, but I feel a real need to begin somewhere with my new career, and a new blog and website to showcase my online portfolio is probably a great place to start. I'll keep you posted...

Seeing it New...

2007-06-19T05:55:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen something a thousand times, but never really SEE it? I'm reading this great book on digital photography called "How to do Everything with Digital Photography" by Dave Huss. I like it because it's (mostly) easy to understand and he gives some great pointers on photo taking...

Yesterday I brought my camera to work with me and kept it with me all day; on my morning walk at break, at lunch, even at my desk. It was amazing how many interesting photos I got during an "average" day.

I'm feeling doubly inspired, as I'm taking a Photoshop Elements course in July. I can't wait to learn tricks and techniques to improve my photos.

Isn't learning new stuff the best? It's one of my favorite things in life...especially if it's stuff I really WANT to learn.

Look around you today, bloggettes and see if you can't see something "average" in a whole new way. That's your homework for Tuesday!

It's in the Bag...

2007-06-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

The South Burlington Art Hop is having an auction of bags created by locals to raise money for the fun fall event. A coworker told me about the project, and got me the canvas bag to embellish. Here are some pics of it~I just finished this morning (and it's due today!).

A Bit of Paint Here (and here, and here...)

2007-06-04T18:53:00.000-05:00

Do you ever pick up one of your hobbies out of the blue and then feel so enamoured with it you just can't stop?

Last summer I took my first ever watercolor painting class. It was fun, but hard to pump out one painting after another. Also, my fellow students painted these gorgeous pieces that left me feeling a little inadequate.

But last week I pulled out my paints and brushes and thick watercolor paper and just can't seem to get enough of it!

The painting above is my favorite of the three...I'm really into pinwheels lately and I like the way this turned out.

This teapot was the first of the three. I like the red contrasted with the green and the way the shading came out. Shading for me is the hardest part!

The painting to the right is a first for me. I've never painted a human before. I found a very simple sketch of this man, (I think he looks like "The Thinker") from an art magazine and loved the lines and shadows. It was much easier than I thought it would be. One thing about painting (and writing) is that if I set it aside for a bit and come back to it, things really stand out to me that need to be changed. If I just forge ahead and try to finish it all at once, it seems that I miss subtle changes that would have improved the piece.

A Bit of Excitement...

2007-05-31T18:24:00.000-05:00

Well, what good news I got this week! I am going to be one of the new correspondents for our local newspaper, The St. Albans Messenger! I'm really very excited about this new adventure. I think it will be a lot of fun to learn more about my community and also to have more of a reason to write. I love writing! I just love it.

Above is a photo I'm playing with in Photoshop Elements. I'm going to be taking a class (I think) in July to learn more about this program. I've had it installed for about a year and I just can't seem to make myself sit down and read all about what it can do. I'm really excited to learn more about it~I think it will be a great asset to my altered art projects.

Speaking of which...I'm entering a contest to design a logo for a physical therapy group. I'm not quite sure what I' m doing yet; just playing with ideas at this point. It is at times like this when I really wish I had mastered a graphic design program like InDesign. I dabble with it here and there at work, but I'm about, oh, 40 pages into the manual! There is SO much it can do and I haven't even scratched the surface yet. I'm such a hands on learner though...reading about something just doesn't do it for me most of the time.

Well, I have the house to myself tonight and I'm off to play in my creative room...wish me luck!

A Bit of a Long Time Coming...

2007-05-31T18:17:00.000-05:00

Blogettes: First and foremost I must apologize for my lack of posts lately. Life has just been getting away from me, or at least that's how it feels lately. Class finished up (sad!) but I've started some other creative projects, not the least of which is our annual Victorian Tea which we have had for the past 2 years (this year is our 3rd) to raise money for Shared Hope International an organization which is working to end sex-trafficking worldwide.

These photos are from our tea...we had so much fun! As always it astounds me how much work is involved in something so short (2 hours) and how many hands are needed to pull something like this off, even on a small scale. Our hard work paid off though; we raised just under $300 for this incredible organization.

Spring Sale (continued)...

2007-05-08T18:43:00.000-05:00

A couple more things to add...this "virtual flea market" is quite fun!

Here is a vintage-looking urn (I think it was actually new when I bought it but made to look old). I've never seen anything like it before, it's very eye-catching. It measures approx. 11" x 6" and is covered with soft velvety material on the bottom (no need to worry about scratches!) Would make a beautiful vase or place to store dry toiletries or love notes! Cost is $15.00 plus shipping.

This antique quilt was purchased at a roadside market...I fell in love with the striking combination of black and faded silk pieces. Imagine the work that went into making this? It's really lovely, but fragile. As you can see some of the material is worn and shredded from age. I have it on a hanging rod but for shipping would need to remove it (unless you wanted to pay the extra shipping for such a large package!). It measures approx. 53" in length by 43"in width. Cost for the antique quilt is $20.00 plus shipping.

A Little Spring Sale...

2007-05-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I am trying to make a little extra money and thought I would weed through some of the items left over from my little vintage shop. Thanks to the kind suggestions by one of my fellow farm girls at Mary Janes Farm Please let me know if you are interested in any of these items...email me and I will send you the mailing address, check/money order or Paypal all happily accepted!

The first item is this adorable spring-y birdhouse, painted and distressed and embellished with pretty pink cabbage roses. My husband hand made this house and I prettied it up! Although this is a sturdy little house, it would be best used indoors (plus the hanger is already secured on the back for easy display!). It measures approx. 8.5" in length and approx. 11" across. Cost is $15.00 plus shipping.

The next item is absolutely adorable! This little porcelin doll body is planted right on top of a silky pin cushion. She's approx. 7" high. She's in perfect shape and would look lovely on your sewing table or maybe on a shelf holding some antique hat pins! The cost for the pincushion is also $15.00 plus shipping.

This little seashell pink dish is absolutely beautiful! It's fully covered with tiny, delicate seashells, bits of silver glitter and measures approx. 3" x 5". The inside is painted a delicate gold. The cost of this beautiful little dish is $10.00 plus shipping. Please contact me at chicchickbiz@yahoo.com if you are interested in any of these items. Thanks!

Where Does Time Go...

2007-05-02T05:46:00.000-05:00

My goodness~the beginning of May already...time has literally been flying right off the clock for me lately. Partly I'm sure, because I have been so busy with my art class and spring cleaning. Have you started yours yet? It's WONDERFUL to see something all clean and shiny and new looking...at least for a day until something spills on it or the cat throws up on it!

Tonight is my very last 2-D design class and I'm sad and happy all at once. I'm sad because I will miss the instruction and my incredibly creative teacher's ideas...and happy because I feel like I have had very little (like, NO) time to work on my own projects lately.

The skirt above is my final project for class...I wish you could see it in real life, it's actually much better looking. It was fun and a LOT of work to put together. I took the idea from a Journal Skirt like this artist makes and made mine into an inspiration skirt. I didn't take photos of the back but I did cover that pretty well too...

Wonderful Woman...

2007-04-10T19:36:00.000-05:00

I just came across this site "A Place To Bark"~WONDERFUL! All you animal lovers, be sure to check it out along with the accompanying blog. I found an article in my old Cloth. Paper, Scissors magazine I was perusing tonight...what an incredible inspiration this woman is.

Also, if you are an animal lover, be sure to visit the Humane Society of the United States . The annual Seal Hunt has begun again and they are desperately trying to stop this cruel practice. Plus, it's just a great place to check out...they are trying so hard to help animals everywhere.

Night-night...

The Dentist...

2007-04-06T16:58:00.000-05:00

Today I went to the dentist. This is not my most favorite treat, but seeing as I like having teeth, I do try to make it to the requesite 6 month visits. Normally the hygenist says things like "My! Look at those gums bleed!" and (while scraping mercilessly at my now bloody gums), "Are you flossing? How often? When was the last time? Do you know how?" She literally showed me how to floss my teeth today. Now, if I, at thirty, still can't floss my own teeth, what chances do I have for a full life?

Next the dentist comes in...supposedly I have some problem with a bit of my jaw missing (I know, imagine MY surprise!) possibly from a not-very-well-done root canal many years ago. So this man who I have seen once before in my life, comes breezing in and frowns at me. "You have a huge hole in your head. If you don't go immediately for oral surgery you will lose your tooth. You may lose more than one." I, in a quiet panic, am struck mute. "See this opoppoijoiust region here?" He points aimlessly at a grey portion of my x-ray, "this is your sceotopitiso. Why, it's nearly gone! It's probably full of inflammation and disease. It is most likely oozing pus into your mouth, even if you can't notice it." I mention that I really haven't been feeling any pain in this area, that it's been this same way for several years. "Bah! You have that surgery or you'll be sorry!" (Exit, dentist). It's little cause for wonder why dentists are so hated. I once read that dentists have the highest suicide rate of all professions. Now, as I lay there in my squeaky, plastic covered chair, I thought I could maybe understand a few of the reasons why.

1) Have you ever noticed how god-awful the wallpaper is at the dentist? Is there some horrible wallpaper store specifically for dental offices out there?

2) Terrible, terrible music, made worse only by the accompanying sound of high pitched drilling and the "ughhhhh, uuuughghhghghhhh" of the poor person the drill is attacking.

3) Hygenists who poke your mouth with sharp instruments repetitively, and then ask you why your gums are bleeding.

4) The strange, sickly sweet peppermint/cherry/latex smell, hovering in the air.

In the end I asked for a copy of my x-ray and a second opinion. I think I saw my dentist wipe his eye on the hem of his blue coat before pasting on a grin and accepting his next victim into the chair...

To Cut or Not to Cut...

2007-03-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I have to tell you I'm absolutely enthralled with restructured clothing. This is a GREAT site if you are interested or looking for inspiration in this area.

When we were away 2 weeks ago for Girl's Day Out, I fell in love with this beautiful little cream colored top which had a long flounce of red and white polka dotted sheer fabric along the bottom. Though it spoke to me it's price tag of $70 said "run!". I left it behind, but very sadly. My sister, Faith said it seemed easy enough to make. Above is my first attempt. My other sister, Celeste gave me a few old sweater tops she didn't want anymore. I used one of those, cut, sewed and viola! A pretty new spring top. Very easy project...I used a scarf cut into two sections so that it was already hemmed along the bottom. I like the raw edge look a lot, so I left the top raw and did a simple zig-zag stitch there.

I'm so excited~I want to try something else! Now, where can I find some more scarves???

Oh, What Fun...

2007-03-23T17:33:00.000-05:00

I'm having such a blast in my 2-Dimensional Design class...and to think, I nearly wimped out! New things are cool but sometimes I get so scared/nervous/flightly ahead of time that I miss out. Other times I say "yes" to too much and then I feel like I miss out in a different way. It's hard to balance life sometimes, isn't it?

These are photos of a "Personal Map" that we did 2 weeks ago. Mine is on the Creative Process. We weren't supposed to use much text, and the images/symbols that we selected were supposed to mean something to us, not necessarily to anyone looking at the piece. I chose the eggs in the nest first, as my ideas tend to start with a little incubation period. Then I selected images of nature (the sun being the clock) because I need time/relaxation/quiet to reflect and really think things through. Next comes the bird, hatched and walking upright...then the birds are flying, but if you notice, one bird is still in a stationary position. This is because often an idea feels like it's nearly there, but not quite. There are moments of "uh-oh's" and "ooops's" throughout my creative process. The mostly all flying birds/butterfly goes through the final door (reality?) and into the creative magical place of color, fun and experimentation. I ripped up bits of my "pallette" (waxed paper) globbed with paint from where I dab off my brushes, game pieces, pinwheels, a girl's dress, pom-poms and anything else that caught my fancy and made me feel kid-like and fun. I love the shocking colorfulness of it.

My teacher is stupendous! She is so encouraging and inspiring and for being an incredible artist herself, is so down to earth, friendly and fun. I'm having a blast!

This week coming up is book making. I've got one small Chinese book complete (minus text/graphics) and two more that I will finish up this weekend. One is going to be based on a kids story I created about a little elfin girl named Rubanna Lee, the other???? Not sure yet...stay tuned and I'll post more later !

Artful Mail...

2007-03-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Mail Art? Here's a quick definition from wikipedia: "Mail art is art which uses the postal system as a medium. The term "mail art" can refer to an individual message, the medium through which it is sent, and an art movement. Mail artists typically exchange ephemera in the form of illustrated letters; zines; rubberstamped, decorated, or illustrated envelopes; artist trading cards; postcards; artistamps; faux postage; mail-interviews; naked mail; and three-dimensional objects."

Check out this wikipedia link for more information and cool examples.

Last week in my 2-Dimensional design class our teacher (who is extremely cool and very talented) gave us a handout on mail art. I have seen examples only in Somerset Studio and Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazines, but never in real life...though as I write that, I remember my sister Aimee and I decorating our envelopes to the hilt back before there was email...she did an incredible job with her envelopes...I wonder if I still have any? So, perhaps I was an unknowning mail artist, before the title was ever created (how exciting!).

I've just come across a Mail Art collection here in Vermont and now, of course, I'm anxious to participate. I'm also really excited that I can now make my own envelopes~thanks again to my teacher, who gave us a simple pattern last week. The envelope shown here is one I made out of a 1/2 of a manila folder at work today (it was a rather slow day).

Now I'm off to finish my homework before bed. Tomorrow is another full day and class tomorrow night...I think we are creating books and binding them (!)...which reminds me, I have to find a needle and some thread to bring...

A Lovely Day Out...

2007-03-18T06:32:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday was Girl's Day Out, something my 3 sisters and I try to do every so often to stay in touch and spend some quality time together. We were trying to meet up monthly, but now we just try when we can.

This trip took us to Middlebury, Vermont where there are lots of cool little shops, artsy places, and yummy food options.

The doors above (which I LOVE!) are the entrance to Frog Hollow . I LOVE it there! There were lots of beautiful items, my favorite of which was probably this pottery which, I think, is absolutely fantastic. I LOVE all the color (of course!) and the way that it's just dripping with it. The maker is Eleanora Eden. Find her pottery online here. Gorgeous!

I should be in bed...

2007-03-15T20:07:00.000-05:00

I should be in bed; it's past time for me. I just got back from an a local art forum meeting and as I'm coming to see, these art situations leave me full of inspiration and despair.

I think I've posted this photo before, but I'm too tired to go back and check. Please forgive me?

As I was saying these art events, while stimulating and interesting to observe, leave me feeling a bit...behind the 8-ball. First of all, when I introduce myself to someone I never know what to say. Artist? Aspiring artist? Creative person? Wanna be? I'm not sure so sometimes I just say my name. Then they ask me to repeat it (Perrino isn't very common in these parts). Plus, I have to tell you something. When I go to these events there are often "famous" artists present. Do you know all I can think of in these situations is how silly my art would seem to them? Then I feel horribly guilty for thinking mean thoughts about my "baby art". That is how it feels to me these days, like baby art. It's not fully grown. It's like the promise of good art...does that make any sense? But how can it be this great, breathtaking art I want it to be when I'm so impatient with it? When I feel embarassed that it's not like other people's?

Good grief~sorry for the rant. I've really been in quite a positive mood lately, not sure what happened tonight.

Regardless, here is the link to the gallery show that I'm part of. Mine is the itsy bitsy tiny piece to the very far right in the 2nd photo (I think!). There will be a reception held tomorrow night and I'm planning to stop by for a bit. Perhaps that's what all this is; nerves?

Night-night. XOXOXO

What You Think About...

2007-03-12T19:38:00.000-05:00

Have you seen "The Secret" yet? Read the book? Watched the Oprah show(s) featuring it? An interesting concept to be sure..."What you think about, you bring about" as one of the experts says on the DVD. It's fascinating to me~based on the Law of Attraction which basically says that what we focus on and put our energy into multiplies. True? I'm doing a little test right now to see: Last week I focused on flowers. I wanted someone to give me flowers, or to find some flowers (not likely in our snow-covered state), send me a floral note card...something to do with flowers. I shared my item of concentration with my husband and instructed him to not buy me any flowers. I wanted to see where they would come from...

Today I found out we won second place in a photo contest and guess what one of the gift certificates is for? A flower shop. Are you surprised? I was, I will admit it. And thankful. It feels good to know that God cares about even the little things, like flowers.

This is an ATC I have been playing with. It's for someone special. Shhhh, I can't tell who! It's a secret...

Montreal Art Museums...

2007-03-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

We had a great time traipsing around the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Modern Art Museum. Here are a few photos of some of our favorite pieces of artwork:

A Lovely Weekend...

2007-03-05T20:08:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo from our B&B in Montreal, The Victorian Heritage. It was so lovely...don't you like the green paint? It's so cheerful and chic.

Some miscellaneous photos from around the city:

An Inspiring Day...

2007-02-26T20:49:00.000-05:00

Wow~how beautiful is this place? Friday I was lucky enough to get to attend the Helen Day Art Center (as seen above) for a "Futures in Art" conference that my friend Suzanne told me about. She wasn't able to make the conference (waaah!) but I contacted the woman in charge and made my arrangements. What a day! I can't believe how wonderful it was to listen to other artists, some working in the field, some aspiring...I felt so connected and just this deep "thrum" of excitement.

It was a gorgeous day and the sunlight was just perfect for taking some outdoor photos during lunch. Plus, (I'm embarrassed to admit it) I felt too shy to sit with the other conference attendees...even though it would have been a great time to network and learn even more. I had that "new kid at school" type feeling...would someone see me coming and put their books on the chair next to them? Cowardly, yes. But it was nice to get some fresh air and a little quiet time to process everything I had learned during the morning session.

Here are a few of the most important things I learned (or was reminded of):

1) Organic Education is extremely important (i.e. one doesn't necessarily need formal art education to be a great artist, but they do need to be exposed to great art/artists).

2) Having a support system of other artists is very important.

3) You must become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

4) What you put out there will come back to you.

The statements above (loosely paraphrased) were from a professor and head of art at University of Vermont who also mentioned his core beliefs which I strongly agree with. They are:

a. People are happier doing what they like-this is possible for everyone if they choose
b. We have an obligation to make the world a better place
c. Talent may not make you a success. You will still have to deal with the clumby process of finding your own way.

I AGREE! Especially with "We have an obligation to make the world a better place." I think that is one way that I can feel justified and "useful" making art...sometimes I feel that it's too frivolous, or others infer that it's not a worthwhile use of time...I beg to differ!

Vintage Treasures...

2007-02-24T17:07:00.000-05:00

I have been cleaning, cleaning, cleaning and look at the lovely treasures I'm parting with! My loss is someone else's gain, right? Plus I am feeling lighter having de-cluttered a bit...check them out on my ebay site if you want to snap up an item or two...

We have put off our big anniversary trip until next weekend...so this weekend I'm dedicating to organizing and tidying and crossing things off the to-do list!

And the Winner Is...

2007-02-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

Heidi~You're the winner! Luckily (because of the pretty posie I bought) I have your mailing address and will send this out tomorrow.

Thanks for participating everyone! I'm sure to be doing another giveaway in the future so stay tuned....

Snowy Weekend and a Pretty Posie...

2007-02-19T18:31:00.000-05:00

What a snowy, snowy weekend! This is a photo I took at Jay Peak, a northernmost mountain located in the eastern part of Vermont. My husband went downhill skiing, I decided to snowshoe. Needless to say, after 20 minutes on an unbroken trail, I was a bit fatigued. I fell through the snow in many places. I don't know if you've ever been in snow so deep that when you fall through it comes completely up to your thigh but it is a bit alarming. A panicky voice in my head tried to tell me that I would be out there all night, as I seemed to be the only person on the trail, but I shushed it and dug my leg out with my frozen hands. Ahhh, winter...

Decidedly un-wintery is this lovely little felted posie I bought from Heidi. I LOVE it! It is much more beautiful in person than in my photo...and her bags? Scrumptious! Check out her etsy site and buy a little treat for yourself!

Now, I should give an update on the "big giveaway". I forgot all about a cutoff date, which we definitely need. I am going to draw the name on Wednesday evening and get the little package all ready to ship out on Thursday. IF by chance, I do not have your mailing address and you aren't able to get it to me by Thursday morning, I will probably not be able to ship until next Monday. We are away this weekend (romantic anniversary trip~yay!) so I won't be able to make it to the post office till then. Keep your fingers crossed ladies....are you holding your breath?!

A Chic Chick Giveaway...

2007-02-16T05:26:00.000-05:00

"Our grand business in life is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." ~Thomas Carlyle

Here it is blogettes, my very own Chic Chick anniversary giveaway. This is a piece I created using a 5x7 mat board and lots of acrylic paint. Unfortunately, the photos don't show the ribbons of silver paint throughout the piece that really make it beautiful...I added a metallic silver ribbon for hanging and covered the back in soft brown corduroy.

Now for the rules:

You must comment on this blog and you Must (with a capital "M"!) tell us what quote you find most inspiring.

I will put all the names of respondants into a pretty jar and draw the winner (no peeking, I promise!).

-Joy

PS This is not the quote I find MOST inspiring, but it is in the top 5...

And it Snowed, and Snowed, and Snowed....

2007-02-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

Wow~what a storm! It felt like a scene from "Storm of the Century", that creepy Stephen King movie...

Brrr...not only did it snow, and snow and snow, but it blew too! The wind was whipping this morning as we tried to clear our car and truck out for work. I miss snowdays so much, but no shutdown at work for us!

I feel so sad thinking about all the animals having to be in these elements 24/7. I felt a little better after I brushed a ton of fluffy white snow from the bird feeders...just a few minutes about 30 birds descended to gobble up some sunflower seed breakfast.

I'm grateful tonight to be snuggled in with my sweetie and furry pets and a cozy fire...

A Giveaway (from me to you)...

2007-02-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't know if anyone here knows but I just won a beautiful surprise from Deb! I know! I'm so excited I can hardly sit still...my mother would say I have "ants in my pants"...I think it's a little too cold for ants around here these days (is it above 0 yet?) but I am very excited and grateful to Deb for my nice surprise. Thank you again!

Did you know (I had to check back, I'd completely forgotten) that I'm celebrating my one year anniversary of blogging? I began this blog last year, on January 22nd. I had every intention of doing something special on the actual day (which is rather hard to do if one doesn't keep track of that special day isn't it?). It's not too late to do something now...Especially if that something has to do with a very special giveaway?

I'm working on a little something for one of you...my loyal blogettes. I hope, hope, hope that there are still some of you out there? Even after my many moves? If not a lot, I know at least 3 of you who will be entered into the drawing....or should it be a contest of sorts? Hmmmm, my tiny wheels are turning...

I'll keep you posted (no pun intended!) and will post "The Item" as soon as it's complete.

Metamorphosis...

2007-02-11T07:24:00.000-05:00

This is the project I've just completed. I'm very pleased with the end result. It's called "Metamorphosis" Can you guess what it's about? :)

I have never used hardware cloth before, but have to say that I really love it. It's a bit tricky to work with (stiff and very sharp...use gloves if you want to incorporate it into one of your projects), but it provided just the look I wanted.

Close Up's Please...

2007-02-08T05:54:00.000-05:00

A few close ups...

I did it!

2007-02-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

I did it! I did it! I finished my take on "Nature Preserved" for the upcoming submission deadline at Somerset Studio! Whew~what a load off my mind...my shoulders seem to have raised 3 inches since I dropped my envelope in the mail this morning.

I debated for a long time on whether or not to try to ship the whole shebang to the studio, but in the end (after all the hours of work!) decided it wasn't worth the risk. I just couldn't think of a way to package everything so it wouldn't end up in a crunched up in shambles at the bottom of the packing box.

I am calling this "Bits of Heaven" because, being a true crunchy and avid nature-lover, that is what I feel when I'm out in nature...like nature here is just a bit of a preview of what heaven will be like.

My original thought when I sketched this project out was to have each box hanging horizontally on a branch (one of the two shown in the photo) but the boxes ended up a bit larger and more flexible than I thought and I don't think the end result would have been pretty. So, I left each of the boxes seperate, but displayed them using the branches instead. I'm pretty pleased with the results!

Oooh...look!

2007-02-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

Pssst! Just to let you know I'm selling this marvelous lot of ephemera/mixed media/collage supplies on ebay. Room cleaning does have it's perks!

Follow Your Bliss...

2007-02-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

"Bliss:
1. supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.
2. Theology. the joy of heaven.
3. heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss.
4. Archaic. a cause of great joy or happiness." (Dictionary.com)

When have you last felt bliss? Did you know bliss can also be a verb (blissed out)? I felt blissed out on Friday afternoon. I was home in the early afternoon, waiting for the furnace man to come and do the yearly cleaning. I had a nice roasted veggie sandwhich and then a hot cup of eggnog coffee for dessert (I realize that it's WAY past time to be drinking eggnog flavored coffee, but I love it too much to care).

I then spent some time running up and down the stairs between my creative room and my computer in the living room in my artistic endeavors. Scan. Run back upstairs. Cut and paste. Smooth out paper. Run back downstairs. Copy. Run back upstairs..."

I stopped and thought for a moment, as I sipped my hot coffee and looked out at the snow on the tree branches, "This is bliss. There is no where I would rather be right now, no one I'd rather be with than myself, nothing I would rather be doing than working on this creative project." I was filled to the brim with joy.

Even though I don't know where I'm going on this journey that is my life, I feel so, so grateful that I've added more creativity and passion into my life. There is still so much I want to do! So much I want to learn creatively, so many things I want to try, but I just feel so grateful and sure that I'm heading in the right direction. Not knowing where I will end up is unnerving...sometimes it's downright scary. But knowing that I'm going somewhere, that makes all the difference to me.

I want so much to make my living in a creative field, but I'm completely unsure which direction to go in. Graphic Design is very interesting to me; I like working with software and spending time alone working is quite pleasant most of the time. On the other hand, there is the helping side of me (the NF in my INFP/INFJ Myers-Briggs classification) that makes me feel like no work will be completely satisfying unless I can see that I'm helping a cause, doing something to make someone else's stay here a little better, be it a person or animal.

If I could have my dream job, what would it be? I'm still not sure, even after turning 30. But I know some things it would include: Creativity (obviously!), flexibility, problem solving, helping support a cause I believe in, fairly good income, the ability to work at home at least part-time, the ability to work alone most of the time, with positive interaction with others, autonomy, beauty all around, fun, work that I feel passionate about. Roll all those things up into a career and what do you have?

I'm not sure, but I'll let you know what I find out...

Got it!

2007-02-02T14:30:00.001-05:00

I FINALLY figured out how to do it! YAY! Now I have about a gazillion links to add...whew, this blogging stuff is hard work!

I'm Back Baby(ies)!

2007-02-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Well, ok. I'm sorry, sorry, sorry to do this once again, but I finally had to just do away with my computer security system as I wasn't able to upload photos on a number of sites which was just driving me absolutely bonkers! I could have kept the Wordpress site, but I noticed that you are only allowed a bit of memory and when it was used up (which happens quickly with lots of photos like I have) you have to buy more.

So, here we are; safe and sound back in our little blogger site. I hope you all will forgive my fickleness and stick around...I miss you when I don't hear from you! (Deb, I especially hope you will still link to me? Even though I'm fickle and flighty? I promise not to move again?!?!)

The photo above is a view from my kitchen window. Do you like the polka-dot canisters? I picked them up last year at IKEA when we were in Montreal for our anniversary trip. It was a fun, fun, fun time. We are planning to go again at the end of this month and are staying at a beautiful Victorian B&B. I will post photos when we get back...it looks scrumptious!

I have been thinking that I need more than one blog to keep everything organized, tidy and pertinent for readers. I am going to be working on setting up another blog (or two) here on blogger, so keep checking back, ok?

Also, does anyone who has time and patience, know how to add favorite links to the sidebar? I can't seem to figure it out. One fellow blogger told me a long time ago but I couldn't understand what she meant...any ideas?

Have a wonderful, winter afternoon!

Pssst...come with me!

2007-01-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

Hello blogettes!

I've been working on a new space for my blog as I've been having so many problems posting pictures here. It may just be my new security system on the computer as others I know who have blogs here don't seem to be having similar problems, however, enough is enough! I'm a patient person, but I'm slowly beginning to fume when I click that little "image icon" and nothing happens!

Please join me at my new home www.chicchickbiz.wordpress.com. I'll keep the tea kettle on~milk and sugar?

What a Wonderful Year...

2007-01-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

Well, this year is off to an exciting start~I often think of "my" new year beginning with my birthday which is January 10th. This year especially it felt like a new start with a new decade before me.

I had SUCH a wonderful birthday! We spent the night in a lovely little Bed & Breakfast and took a long, chilly walk in freshly falling snow the morning of my birthday. Then we returned to the sunroom for a breakfast of fresh baked cinnamon buns (yum!), lemon creme pancakes, soy sausage and fresh fruit. It was all so lovely. I spent a little time with my Somerset Studio magazine (incredibly beautiful creations in there!) then headed home after a brief visit to the local scrapbooking store for some new altered art supplies. (I'm attempting two of the upcoming "Call to Artists" in the Somerset magazine).

I spent a little quiet time when I got home, and unpacked~then it was time for my in-home massage in front of the warm fire. It was HEAVEN! After my massage I spent a little more time relaxing (with a cup of flavored coffee) and then hubby came home and gave me my "Big Gift" which was (dum dum dum dum~trumpet noises) a SCOOTER! I KNOW! I nearly fell over! It's so beautiful-shiny and lime green...I cannot wait to try it out, but have to wait for some warm weather. Wow~What a lucky girl I am! After a long time spent ooohing and ahhing over my gift we headed inside to get ready for dinner (tuna steak with wasabi and hoisen sauce and garlic mashed potatos YUM), then home for cupcakes and presents with one of my sister's and my mother-in-law. I took a pretty picture of my lovely cupcakes to share with you, but the problem has returned and I'm not having any luck posting photos yet again. (Sniff). I'm trying to be patient but I am really beginning to get frustrated!

Anyway, in all it was quite a perfect day an I feel SO grateful and happy that I could usher in my 30's in such a special way.

On Turning 30...

2007-01-08T19:18:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s just about here. A new decade. New opportunities to do things a little differently, experiment, play, and return to myself. I’m excited about turning 30! So many people have told me (women especially) that their 30’s brought a new level of acceptance and self-love, along with more wisdom and independence.

I’ve learned a lot of important lessons in these past 29 years. Here are few of them:

~For the most part, people treat you as you allow them to. Being a victim isn’t pretty or healthy. If you want things to change-relationships to change, you must begin the work yourself.
~I’ve learned to try to listen to that still, small voice inside. It lets me know what’s right and what’s wrong, the next path to take, and when to say I’m sorry.
~I am way, way too hard on myself the majority of the time.
~I have to follow my own path. Other people may think I'm weird or crazy, but it’s essential to do what feels right to me. Let them think what they will, I'm being true to myself.
~Always remember where you came from, but don’t spend a lot of time wandering around back there. What’s done is done (old relationships, missed opportunities, mistakes). Learn from these lessons and move forward.
~Let your feelings out! Pushing down feelings and pretending they aren’t there doesn’t help anyone. Get those feelings, especially toxic ones out of your system. Don’t take them out on others, but get them out of your body. Hitting pillows or screaming in car work well!
~Find what makes YOU truly happy and add more of that to your life.
~Play isn’t just for children. Bored and stodgy people just think it is.
~Keep a dream list of things you want to do during your time here. Refer to it often and try to make as many of those dreams come true as you can.
~Help others.
~It’s impossible to be perfect. I’m focusing on being perfectly ME, imperfections and all.
~Learn to not care so much what “other people” think of you. (I’m still working on this one, it’s a biggie).
~Do things for the joy of it. Let your passion out, don’t hold it inside.
~Experience new things. Make life an adventure. When you look back on life what would you regret NOT doing? Do those things!
~No one can save you. No one can take perfect care of you. You have to give this gift to yourself.
~Challenge the negative, judging voice.
~Beauty is not frivolous, it is essential. Surround yourself with beauty and peace.
~Count your thousands of blessings whenever you can.
~Pray every day.
~I’ve learned to recognize that fear plays a major role in my life. I also have come to see that fear is what keeps me from the things I want. For a long time I thought if I kept my world “safe” by avoiding fear, it would go away. It doesn’t. It gets bigger and my world gets smaller every time I give into it. My motto for the next decade, and the rest of my life, is “Do What You Fear”.
~Love~yourself, others, nature, pets, simple pleasures, laughter, family, art, beauty, coffee, fresh baked bread, thunderstorms, starlight, a chorus of spring peepers, fresh sheets, trees, curtains blowing in the breeze, sunshine, moonbeams, snow, walks, ocean waves, flowers, words, music, books, hugs, chocolate, hot baths, freedom, memories, dreams, baking, movies, seasons, travel…and coming home.

My Knight in Shining Armor...

2007-01-06T06:04:00.000-05:00

He fixed it! He fixed it! My darling husband...Perhaps I should make a fairy godfather pin for him? YAY!

It's good to be back fully, blogettes. I've missed you all...many times throughout the day I would think of something silly or pretty or inspiring to write about here, but then, with a huge sigh of disappointment would remember that there would be no photos to accompany my post...but he's a genius!

So, these are the fairy gomother pins I made for the fairy godmothers in my life this year for Christmas. The top three are my three older sisters and the one in the little yellow dress is a dear friend. I'm the "So Sweet" fairy with the polka dots...I had to try out one first to make sure it would work!

These are all pins on the back side, though made out of heavy cardstock I told the girls to be careful if they really did wear them out. They would look cute on a bulletin board too, or on one of those photo memory boards.

They were so much fun to make and the girls really seemed to like them! I got the idea from a Cloth, Paper Scissors magazine (I LOVE it!) and the article was created by Art Girlz, who make absolutely adorable little pewter arms, legs, boots, crowns, etc., for these tiny dolls. I nearly bought these extras, but time and money ran out before I had a chance. Next time!

Wow~I just can't believe how great it is to be back! I have so many creative inspirations to share. For instance have any of you read this book: The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron? This is my third time borrowing it from the library, so I finally decided to buy it on Amazon. I'm on Chapter 2 so far (though I admit, I've already skimmed a few of the other chapters). It is so well written and there are these great ideas of projects to do each week. It does seem a little labor intensive (something I'm not sure I have time to tackle now with a spring college course coming up) but now that I've purchased it, I'm sure I can work on it more completely later on (hopefully, because procrastination does tend to be one my worst traits!). I also just finished reading The Joy Diet by Martha Beck. This was so inspiring, and of course as I'm sure you can imagine, not at all about dieting...just about adding more happiness, laughter and fun into your life. Finally, I ordered The New Creative Artist by Nita Leland...this looks GOOD! I can't wait until it gets here.

I'm rearranging my creative space as well...I'm really, really excited about this and hope that the changes will make it more appealing to me. There is something about having a room to myself that is on a floor other than the main floor; it makes it much harder to use!

Where, or where can my photos be?

2007-01-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

Ugh~I cannot for the life of me, figure out how to post photos on this blog! What happened!?!?!? It was all going so smoothly and easily and now, this! Frustration, frustration! I can't get it to work! I have been purposely not posting because of this photo issue. I'm irritated beyone belief and am considering dumping my beautiful little blog all together...what is the point without the photos? It's like telling only half of a story. Like a brochure with only the words....(boring!).

I'm sorry to vent here ladies, but really. Can this be any more annoying? I have the sweetest little fairy pins (who look suspiciously like some real-life fairy godmothers in my life) to show you and I can't get the blasted pictures on here!!!! UGH! Sometimes technology makes me want to cry...

Happy Holidays to All!

2006-12-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

Christmastree6
Originally uploaded by chicchickbiz.

Darling Blogettes~

I wish you peace filled holidays full of happy memories and love. Thank you all so much for being my blog friends...

With much love,

-Joy

Feeling Charlie-Brown-y...

2006-12-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

Hmmm, I must say I have a bit of Charlie Brown attitude going on tonight. My day went well...lots of laughs at work, a nice brisk walk after with hubby and Peeka...but now I feel, sad. My husband told me the other day he is planning a big birthday party for my 30th. I thought he meant with all our families and was worried it would be just one more "thing" that everyone has to get through. I wouldn't blame them, not one little bit. I am already feeling the strain of the holidays, I certainly wouldn't feel like going to yet another party the second week in January.

Anway, Serge said that no, he meant a "friends" party. Drinks, music, hanging out, whatever. Yes, well that would be wonderful if I had friends I suppose. You know, I never really notice that I don't have friends until occasions such as this arise. I have two very excellent friends and one of them lives very far away (North Carolina). I suppose I could invite my one friend to party down with us...hey three's a crowd right?

But, not to worry. Serge, being ever kind and generous, offered me his friends for the evening! It's like a rent-a-friend-party! I said that this would be very cool with me, but only if one would jump out of my cake singing "Foxy Lady" in a Jimmi Hendricks impersonation.

Anyway, I do have lots of aquaintances and some friends who I just am starting to socialize with...friendships are so much like romances at times. Is it too soon to invite X to a 30th birthday party? Would she think I'm being presumptuous? Would she think I'm too forward? Moving to fast? On and on the worries go...

Oh for pity's sake. One of my "resolutions" for the next decade is to do more things that scare me: Here we go!

I will contact every single person I know who shows any sort of friendly interest in me (yes, that includes you, new post office woman!) to my party. If I ask 50 people, 5 may show up...Regardless, I will be here with a tiara on my head, red on my lips and a drink in hand if you want to stop by.

Bring it on 30's, I'm not scared of you (much).

PS

2006-12-12T21:38:00.000-05:00

Fat Boy is A-Okay...urinary tract infection, treated with antibiotics (he's thrilled having me stick my finger halfway down his throat with his pill each morning!). I'm SOOOOOOO happy! It is now the perfect Christmas...my babies all warm and safe and snuggled in on a cold night...bliss.

Decisions, decisions...

2006-12-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

Oh my; what a lot of decisions to make lately. Is it really that I have a lot of them to make, or just that I'm procrastinating making any so that it seems like more than there really are?

Not sure...but here is one decision that is made (I hope!)

The 30th birthday ring...drat! I'm not allowed to post a picture here tonight it seems. Well, you will all have to wait with bated breath to see if I win it tonight as I'm sleeping...what suspense! How will I make it until morning?

Now...I have other decisions to make:
1) What do I want to be when I grow up?
2) What classes should I take this spring to get to that career?
3) Should I sign up for a dance class? If so, which type? Will I have time to take a dance class if I take a class to get me toward my (unknown) dream career?
4) What shall I bring for lunch tomorrow?
5) Should I teach paper arts classes this spring? Will I be over-extended if I do (on and on it goes...)

Just finished watching the Devil Wears Prada...pretty good but (sigh) as usual, not as good as the book. But I do LOVE Meryl Strep! She's so fabulous...love her!

Nighty-night blogette's...hopefully I can show you my ring tomorrow! :)

A Big Sigh...

2006-12-10T17:52:00.000-05:00

One huge sigh of relief (Fat Boy is just fine, so my Christmas wish has come true!) and another of overwhelm...

This photo is from my husband's work party, an annual gala which is held in a hotel ballroom...isn't the decorating fabulous? Not sure whose arm that is in the picture, but the decorations look nearly as pretty as they did in real life. The party was last weekend...a treat to get away for an overnight and let loose a little...on the other hand I feel like I cannot catch up lately, no matter what I do; even one 24-hour period "wasted" on something as frivolous as a party seems to make me feel guilty these days.

For the past few years I have to admit that I've felt well, a bit disenchanted with the holidays. I prepare (love the decorating!); usually starting early so that I can really savor the season...but somehow admist the frantic shopping, stressing about money, worrying everything I bought or made for everyone is just completely wrong I lose track of the season. This is what my "perfect" Christmas would look like.

We would pare our activities down to 3 meaningful adventures: A sleigh ride with hot cocoa, a special and magical church service, and time spent in nature, walking and gathering natural decorations for our home.

You might notice that I don't have any volunteer activities in my list...I feel that this is something to spend the rest of the year working on. Many agencies find they are overwhelmed with help over the holidays (which is a wonderful problem to have) so I prefer to help at other, less busy times.

And of course, Christmas wouldn't be complete without time with family. But I wish we could take one whole day just to spend with each family and make it meaningful~start with a light brunch and then sing carols and walk outside, later returning to savor the experience of opening a few choice gifts and then maybe all preparing a dinner together. Time...that is what is missing from my holidays I think. Time to savor. Time to really capture what is going on around me; it's what memories are made of...

Here's Looking at You, Peeka-Choo...

2006-12-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

This is Peeka-Choo...who answers to several nicknames, if said in the right tone of voice. Isn't she the cutiest?

Last week we had quite a scare. I found a lump on her side. It was hard and instantly I was thinking "cancer" and imagining the doctor telling us she had only weeks to live. I spent most of the long Thanksgiving weekend praying and trying to think positively and alternately running to the bathroom to cry when I thought about losing her.

We have two cats too, Spazzi and Magoo (aka Fat Boy). We had a beautiful, sweet adopted greyhound named Paca too. Paca did not have a mean bone in her body, as my Dad likes to say (and it's true). She was such a loving and sweet girl. We lost her to a freak accident last summer and my heart is still quite broken.

Needless to say, when I brought Peeka to the vets last week my stomach was sick. I was so scared...but guess what? The doctor aspirated the lump and it was NOT cancerous! Actually, we think now (as it's disappeared) that it was a reaction to her vaccination from the week before. I spent the entire time between then and now thanking God that she is ok and praying that she has a long, healthy life with us.

Now our poor Fat Boy is not feeling well. He seems to have a blockage or infection of some kind. I'm really worried. Why is everyone getting sick? Please, please, please let him be ok. Please let it be just some indigestion or something else that will be easily cured...please?

My furry kids-if having all of you healthy is all I get for Christmas, I will be completely happy. Promise.

Presents for a Vintage Swap...

2006-12-01T06:44:00.000-05:00

Wow~I can't wait! My presents are all ready to go...my swap partner has been emailed to me...will she like what I send? I hope so! What do you think about this paper? I love it! I'm really into blues and reds this holiday season. Maybe I should have added some pretty ribbon? The box isn't quite sealed up yet...maybe I will toss on some bling before the final taping. I can't wait!

Thankfulness List...

2006-11-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is my Thankfulness List:

I'm grateful for:

A fabulous and sexy husband who still makes me weak in the knees sometimes, makes me laugh hard and listens to me like I'm the only person in his world
A wonderful family, including 3 older sisters who have the best sense of humor and fabulous taste in everything
Friends who always know when to ask "Is everything ok?" when it definitely is not
Pets who are cuddly and snuggly and sweet without even trying
All 5 of my senses
A healthy body and an often creative mind
Our home for which I have a renovation list 1 mile long, and which honestly looks just fine the way that it is
Music
Snow
Hot showers and baths
Nature and fresh, cold air
All the agencies and people who are out there, doing good things for causes I believe in like the Humane Society, the Greyhound Rescues, Homeless Shelters, Soup Kitchens, Adoption Agencies, and organizations trying to stop injustices all over the world
A job in which I feel appreciated and that is close to home with generous bosses
The realization that I'm fine the way I am (still working on this one)
A soft, warm bed
The ability to express parts of myself through writing, creating, drawing/painting, and playing
The happiness that simple things still, and will always bring
Hot coffee or tea
The beauty that is all around me
Toes and fingers
Sunshine
My spirit~which always fights for the underdog
Fresh bread warm from the oven
Holidays

What are some of yours?

Happy, happy Thanksgiving!

Grateful for Apples & Cakes &...

2006-11-21T20:56:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is almost upon us~this time of year (as we are told over and over again) is the perfect time to spend some time thinking about what we are grateful for. I try hard to always count my blessings and say prayers of thanks whenever I think of something I'm grateful for, especially when it's something I've never thought of before...like fingernails. When is the last time you thought how grateful you are about something that is so useful but maybe gets taken a little bit for granted? I mean, how else can you pop out a wayward staple quickly, scratch the delicate skin by your eye or those nasty summer bug bites?

Now it's time for bed and I'm extremely grateful that I have a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in and a warm house around me and a husband and pets to share it with. Tomorrow I will start my Thankfulness List...will you join me?

PS The Apple Walnut cake is yummier than it looks-and this one is headed to work tomorrow to be shared with my new coworkers who are quickly becoming kind friends.

A Treat Today (and One in 51 Days)...

2006-11-20T18:42:00.000-05:00

This was as delicious as it looks. I've found myself eating a lot of "junk" chocolate lately and am renewing my pledge to decadent, delicious chocolates, preferably individually wrapped with pretty foils like this little guy. I stopped by Lindt this weekend while my husband and I were checking out the gorgeous Christmas displays in on the Church Street Marketplace. Soon Church Street will be lit up with with millions of twinkling white lights dripping from trees...it's so beautiful. We always try to make it down for a walk along the magically lit street on Christmas Eve; sometimes it's very late and we are nearly the only people out. I absolutely love it; every icy breathful of air, every scent of snow and most of all the feeling of my hand snuggled into my husband's coat pocket. We might not make it more than a few blocks some years (I remember one in particular when the wind was whipping off the lake so strongly, it took our breath away and made our clothes feel like tissue paper!).

Church Street at this time of year holds another special memory for us as it's just one short block to the park where my husband proposed, sometime in December, 6 years ago. (Is it awful that I don't remember the date?). I remember the whole thing, I swear. Just not the date.

I've decided that along with decadent chocolate, it's time to treat myself to something else. Something really, really special that I would normally turn my frugal and practical nose up at (I tried to convince my then-fiance that I didn't need or want a diamond engagement ring...but he won). I'm turning 30 in January and I've decided to buy a beautiful ring to commemorate the new decade. Now, I have to tell you, I don't feel 30! Not that 30 is old by any means, it's just that I still see myself somewhere around 21 or 22. And even though I know that 30 isn't OLD, it's older. I mean, one can't be quite as reckless at 30 as one was at 20. Then it was expected and tolerated; now it would just be weird...and sad in a way.

So, when we were on Church Street this weekend, I checked out some jewelry shops. Nothing really stood. There were some beautiful rings, but nothing particuarly piqued my interest (except one gorgeous delicate silver vined piece with a brown diamond which was over $2800!) I put it down very quickly and thanked the nice lady. The last shop we came to was IT, I knew soon after stepping foot inside. It was a tiny little shop tucked away from the hubub of the busy street and noisy pedestrians. There was folk-y music playing an older gentleman working on a piece in the back. I didn't see anything at once that caught my eye, but I had a brilliant idea. Why buy a piece already made when one could have one made, especially for her? I talked with kind gentleman and set up an appiontment for later this week. Let me tell you, I have been sketching like there is no tomorrow! I've also found some beatiful vintage rings on Ebay which might be able to be used for inspiration. I want something simple and elegant and classy and lovely....do you think that's too tall an order?

Something from Christmas Past...

2006-11-17T21:20:00.000-05:00

FINALLY! The Christmas mobile. Now, first I should apologize for these photos...they aren't the best I've ever taken...however, have you ever tried to make a mobile stop moving? It's nearly impossible! And just when I thought I finally got it to stay still for one tiny second, I realized that Santa was showing us his backside or that the ugly white back of the tiny stocking filled with presents was showing, instead of the right side. Whew! It was a process let me tell you!

This pattern, I think I mentioned, is from 1956. Reading the directions initially I thought it would be a breeze to make. "No problem! I can pump out 5 of these in varying shades and motifs before the holidays!" Well, not quite. First, women of that time must have been patient; much, much more patient than I. There was all this intricate folding and cutting and measuring and drawing to make the tiny canopy tent, which, as you might notice, is missing from the photo because it looks terrible! Needless to say taking the quick route in this particular instance, may not have been my best bet! I'm dreaming of a paper dessert plate, heavily decorated for future mobiles...

And poor Santa! As you can see he's had a bit of a stressful time already...his tiny cuff is coming unattached and his smile is looking a little strained. Doesn't he remind you of the Santa from Rudolph though? Only not so mean. I never liked that Rudolph Santa, he was such a jerk! He only liked the reindeer that could serve his purposes in some way and were "perfect", not marred with strange noses or other physical flaws.

How many days till Christmas? Perhaps if I started cutting and pasting now, I could finish one more just in time...

Everyone Needs a Cheerleader...

2006-11-15T07:01:00.000-05:00

Do any of you watch "Ugly Betty"? I absolutely love this show! It puts such a positive spin on just being yourself and accepting yourself, flaws and all.

Last week, at the end of a disasterous day for Betty ending in her review for a posh hotel being rejected by her editor, Betty is hiding out in the bathroom. Who comes in but Sophia the hard-nosed author (played by Salma Hayek) who encourages Betty to stand up straight, push her shoulders back and smile. AND most importantly, not to let other people's opinions get to you. Don't we all need a Sophia in our lives on those days when nothing seems to go our way?

Goals & Dreams...

2006-11-14T07:01:00.000-05:00

"Goals are dreams with deadlines."

I'm not sure who created that phrase, but it's probably very true. I really, truly should work on goals...I spend a lot of time in "dream mode" where I fantasize about all these wonderful projects, and the stellar reviews they will someday garnish...my time would be much better spent in the here and now, dealing with the day-to-day stuff and trying to fit in my dream work between, right?

Yesterday I went to a training for work...I expected it to be boring and touch on topics I have heard over and over again. It wasn't! We talked about goals and dreams and where we are heading and how to get there. It was very inspiring and made me feel more excited about the possibilities out there.

This is a photo from my morning commute. Someday, when I'm self-employed and working in my jammies all day, I will look back at this photo and laugh, while sipping coffee; a pet in my lap.

Sugar Plums are Dancing in my Head...

2006-11-12T20:56:00.000-05:00

"The children were nestled, all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads..."

I don't know about the children, but I am certainly dreaming of sugar plums and pretty blue packages wrapped in white and red ribbons and pink santas and sugared cookies and cinnamon scented rooms and clove studded oranges...

I know. I was trying to fight the feelings, trying hard to hold out until the Friday after Thanksgiving...THAT is supposed to be decorating day. But I just couldn't! On the plus side I found this gorgeous "candy" garland this weekend and while pulling out my silver Christmas tree today, unearthed these darling little crocheted cupcakes that I bought on clearance after Christmas last year. That is simply the BEST time to buy Christmas items, but hard to do~by the time Christmas is over (perhaps because I start so prematurely?) I'm sick to death of decorations and sweets and carols and the clutter and the messiness that always seem to accompany the holidays. Plus, I'm truly wiped out from holiday parties and family get-togethers (not that I want to miss any of them!).

This is a photo of my silver Christmas tree that I put up in our bedroom. I'm sorry it's a bit blurry...also I seem to have cut off the tippy top which I finished off with an easter bonnet (continuing with the pink/blue theme). I'm pretty happy with it. This tree is actually closer to 6 feet high, but you can use just the top as I did here, and make it much more manageable for a small space (and our bedroom is SMALL!).

PS I finished the Christmas mobile but haven't taken pictures yet...I'll try to do that tomorrow...

A Vintage Christmas Swap...

2006-11-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

I have heard so much about swaps: People are swapping ATC's (Artist Trading Cards), quilt blocks, dollhouse furniture and miniatures, etc., etc. Finally, I found a swap for me!

Yes, it's a VINTAGE CHRISTMAS SWAP!!! Find out all about this swap which is being organized by Tanya at "Prints Charming". There are also lots of great vintage sites listed on this link (other participants in the Vintage Christmas swap).

Won't you join me? I'm so excited...I'm off to brainstorm ideas!

A Christmas Crafty (or 2)...

2006-11-08T19:54:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned yet how excited I am for Christmas? I'm working on a vintage-inspired Chrismtas mobile. These little retro colored Christmas balls will go around the top of the mobile (sort of like a pretty umbrella top) and the tiny Santa, reindeer and presents will float underneath. I'm having such a hard time deciding on a Christmas color theme this year...on the one hand, I'm really leaning toward the traditional red, white and green; using vintage decorations as much as possible. On the other hand, a Christmas of robin's egg blue, silver, bright pink and white is quite tempting as well! I would love to do the whole house up in similar colors, but because of the cool/warm room colors (I know I've mentioned this in a previous post!) I'm struggling. Any thoughts on this?

Fa-la-la...how many days left?

New Art, Bad Photo...

2006-11-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

This is a little mixed media piece I have been working on for awhile. I wish the picture would have come out better. If you can't read it, the words in the woman's belly are: Sadness, Fear, Anger and Guilt and the words running down the side (on top of the black) read: Eating Your Words. I wanted to do something like this because it's how I feel about negative feelings. I know I'm not the only one who finds it hard to express my feelings, especially the "less ladylike" ones. Expressing myself, making requests; hard things to do~but essential.

I also found another plus-sized magazine (Figure), this one in real-honest-to-goodness print. There is something very satisfying about holding a glossy magazine in your hands and flipping through the pages then storing them carefully and looking at them again and again. I absolutely, positively HATE crinkled/bent/mangled/torn magazines. Even if my favorite magazine was the last on the shelf, I would have to leave it there if it was in poor condition. I don't know what this "issue" is called (no pun intended!) but whatever it is, I have it!

Love Thy AmaZing Self...

2006-11-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

I have had the gimmee's lately. I want new clothes, a new car, new improvements to our house, new trips to plan for...I often feel like I'm falling behind; money-wise, house-wise, career-wise and even body-wise.

In fact, there has been a lot of negative chatter going on inside lately and I don't like it one bit! I've sworn off fashion magazines ages ago but I miss the "eye candy" factor (Seeing all those beautiuful clothes! Fabrics! Shoes!) and the ideas that generate while reading fashion magazines. No, I will never spend the outrageous asking price on certain name brand items of clothing, but I love to look at the pictures and then take the ideas into my own closet and see what I can come up with.

I used to read a plus-sized magazine called "Mode", and LOVED it, but sadly they went under. Today I was so pleased to find an emagazine dedicated to REAL sized women. AmaZe Plus Magazine is just what I was looking for! (For those of you thin readers, this magazine is really about loving yourself, no matter what size, so don't feel excluded!)

Along with renewing my dedication to fun and frolic (as seen in previous post), I'm renewing my dedication to feeling good about myself. I think really, that they are one and the same. How can I love other people and make them feel good (which I really, really love to do) if I don't feel good about myself and take care of me, inside and out?

Home Caring, Cake(s) and The Christmas Itch...

2006-11-03T12:14:00.000-05:00

Home caring: To care for one's dwelling and the individuals therin. Ok, it's not a real definition, and maybe not a real combination of words, but I for one think it should be.

I have a long weekend and promised myself I wouldn't do a THING I didn't want to. No scheduling anything. No rushing from one appointment or task to the next. No feeling guilty every time I want to sit and just enjoy things a little bit. Have I stuck to my guns? Well....I did do some things that I really didn't want to do (but feel a whole lot better having finished them up). I rested a little (Mary E.'s new Home Companion for December/January is a DREAM~especially when enjoyed with 3 plump pets and a hot mug of Chai Latte). I cleaned the house a bit. I baked a cake (or two). Overall, I think I've done well. Some times when I have a day off, I need to just rest, vegitate, be a sloth. Other times, like yesterday and today, I feel much better tackling things I've been putting off.

I'm amazed at how hard the Christmas bug has bitten! For the past few years I haven't felt all that Christmasy. I felt sort of numb to it all, a little immune from the fa-la-la'ing and presents and decorating. But this year, I'm really, truly excited for the Chrstmas season. I've been pouring over magazines and thinking about my vintage Christmas ideas for this year. I have a beautiful silver Christmas tree from that my in-laws gave me two birthdays ago. Last year was the first time I used it. I wish I had some pictures to show you! I love the whole vintage-Christmas look, especially the pure white with touches of robin's egg blue, bright pink and retro green. Somehow though, the tree didn't look right to me in my butter-yellow living room. I think it's too much of a contrast. The living room is really warm and the tree and decorations are very cool. My plan this year is to put the tree in our bedroom which is an icy blue, and a real tree in the living room; even if it's just a small one.

Today I'm working on a Christmas paper mobile. I found a vintage pattern for it online. I can post the link if anyone is interested (I'll have to look it up again, I just printed and took off!). I'm really excited to see how it turns out...I'll show you my results, good or bad.

PS These are Nutmeg Feather cakes. I love to bake cakes. I want to make one with the big, fluffy, white 7-minute frosting, but am not sure who else I can pawn a cake (or 2) off on!

"Martha, Martha, Martha!"

2006-11-02T07:39:00.000-05:00

I have a new obsession...and like most of my interests or ideas, it's something that's been around for a llllooooooonnnnggg time, only I'm just now getting into it. Somehow I always seem the miss the boat with things. It was years after Rachel Ashwell unveiled Shabby Chic that I FINALLY got into it. Well, that is an understatement. I was soon completely obsessed with it. "That's SO Shabby Chic!" "Is this Shabby Chic enough?" "This definitely Shabby Chic, don't you think?". Yes, well. My husband even knows what is and isn't Shabby Chic. We will be walking through a flea market and my husband will grab my arm whispering quietly in my ear (lest anyone else with a Shabby Chic bent is in the area) "Shabby Chic cup & saucer on the table to your right."

Anyway, Shabby Chic is still completely marvelous in my mind, but my new fascination is with Martha Stewart. I know, could I be any more behind the times?

It might be due to this book which I picked up at the library last week(and which is also on sale at Amazon and other fine booksellers). As you know, I'll always be an entrepenuer at heart. So, even though I've sworn off business books of all kinds, I thought maybe, just maybe I could gain a bit of wisdom here. It's really interesting! I re-discovered Martha Stewart Living magazine and really like it! I love her style: Sort of a modern traditional, though that sounds weird. It's clean, simple (which is the hallmark of modern) but old fashioned at the same time. Now I'm taping her show while I'm at work, adding other books of hers to my Amazon wishlist...now, I don't know that I would ever choose Martha Stewart Living over say, Country Living (I do like a little bit of fluff and "extras", especially vintage pieces that give warmth), but I am at a place where I'm beginning to understand or re-discover "Less is More".

Halloween Horrors...

2006-11-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

Oh, I can't believe it's over already~This year Halloween came so quickly I never had a chance to get tired of the 4,500 showings of "Halloween" (1-8?) we normally watch, or decorations, or seeing all the store costumes reduced from 50,000 choices down to "witch" or "dracula". I never even had a chance to get tired of my husband's costume (can you guess?) Michael Myers from the above mentioned "Halloween" movies. It was a whirlwind of spooky decorations, candy, a few drinks, a party and hours spent putting together my "Woodland Fairy" costume, which I don't have pictures of because I left my camera's memory card at home! However, my sister-in-law's finace did get some good pictures which I'll try to remember to ask him for.

Every year I scour, inhale, pour over the home decorating magazines at Halloween (and Christmas, of course!). And every year I have the burning desire to have this huge HUGE Halloween party complete with apple bobbing, carmel popcorn balls, spooky music, lavish decorations and a pot of of cider complete with the smoke or fog that dry ice creates. Everyone would be required to come in costume, of course. Did any of you see the ME Home Companion for October? That is the kind of party I want to throw. Maybe next year...and you're all invited, of course!

Every Little Bit Will Help...

2006-10-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

Please, please, please~If you love animals and want to help save sweet, innocent, adorable and helpless seals~please check out this link on the Humane Society of the United States website and sign this pledge to stop eating Canadian seafood until these cruel seal hunts are ended!
Protect Seals

This sort of stuff just breaks my heart over and over again. Who could kill something so helpless? I will be so grateful if you take just a minute to sign this pledge and make the decision to boycott the Canadian seafood companies.

THANK YOU ALL!

A New Old Thing...

2006-10-29T17:59:00.000-05:00

Today was the day~We went to pick up my new-to-me piano from my oldest sister's house. She lives about 2 & 1/2 hours from us. It was quite a process! I hired a piano mover there to help us get this six-hundred pound beauty onto our truck and another mover here at home to help us get her into the house. I don't know why, but I'm sure it's a her. Isn't she lovely?

I had to get her all dusted and find a pretty scarf right away. She's a bit larger than I was thinking (somehow in my mind I have a way of making everything fit just the way I want it...but in reality it doesn't always work that way!). Luckily the spot I had picked out does work well. There are a few sticky keys which I'm worried about and she needs to be tuned, but overall not bad for about $150.00 moving costs (that even included our gas!).

I've always wanted to learn to play piano, but not badly enough to learn! My mother tried to teach me a bit when I was little...I remember the masking tape "cues" on the keys to help me remember what notes went with which letter. I decided in the 4th grade that the flute was the most beautiful instrument in the world (other than the harp which still remains, in my mind, the most romantic and beatiful looking of all the instruments). But there were no harp players in the elementary school band so I went with the flute.

It's strange how quickly I've forgotten notes and music reading. I began my first ever official piano lessons about 3 weeks ago and really am enjoying it so far. I like how I have to completely concentrate. It's absorbing and I don't have time to worry about things, or think too much. It takes all my effort to focus on what I'm doing.

I love thinking about who owned this piano before me. (Well, I mean before my sister). She got it from an older man who no longer wanted it...but it was built in the early 1900's...who played it all those years? Where has it been?

This scrolling on the front is one of the things I fell in love with first...it's so delicate and unnecessary; that's why I think I love it the most. It's just for prettiness.

A Renewed Commitment to Fun & Frolic

2006-10-28T07:16:00.000-05:00

Last night was our monthly Soup Night. I had so much fun, as always. Between the all the stories and laughter and snorting into my water glass while attempting a hiccup remedy that my husband was trying to teach me (involving pressing a butter knife against my forehead while simultaneously drinking), I realized (again) how much fun it is to just enjoy simple things like a meal with friends. Fun, frolic and being completely caught up in the moment is something I want to add to my life. I tend to be introverted and know that I dwell too much on the sadnesses and worries of the world (my own, and the world at large). I want to be more carefree! I want to have fun! I want to do silly things and be impulsive and remember that living isn't all about being super-responsible and that the world will not fall apart if I let my hair down and have a good time. Everything doesn't always have to be perfect~I don't have to try to be perfect!

Basking in the after-glow of a wonderful evening, I feel like more is possible. I want to be more on top of my blog for one thing. I LOVE reading other people's posts and seeing their beautiful photography...it's such a great way to connect with others who have similar interests. For instance, Deb's blog is incredibly fun to poke around in...what a creative girl! I've found all sorts of other great sites through hers. Then, there are two blogs I know I've mentioned before, but they are just so wonderful! The first is Alicia's blog it is WONDERFUL! I check it out every other day or so...it's like an online magazine and her style and ideas are so inspiring. And of course, one of the first blogs I ever happened upon, Alison's blog is like a vintage handbook...I love the way that Alison writes...completely real and true and poetically beautiful...Plus she is always on top of gorgeous little goodies near and far. By the way, if anyone can share with me how to add links to other people's pages on my blog, I would be grateful...I can't seem to sort it out!

Anyway, I digress. In addition to being more up-to-date on my blog, I want to be more up-to-date in my life! I want to take time for the simple pleasures that I miss half the time because I'm rushing from one task to another, if not in real-time than in my mind. I want to quiet my mind more. I want to take time to enjoy those moments that make you realize how alive you are.

Ahhhh, Gee~And New Bags...

2006-10-19T18:10:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, gee. I just got word that I wasn't selected for "That's Clever!". Drat. I was so hoping...anyway, I'm happy that they are coming to Vermont and can't wait to see the shows which feature artists from this area. Congrats to you all! I think it's wonderful and I hope someday they will come here to film again.

In the meantime...I've re-discovered my creative spark (thank God!). Here are some photos of my newest bags. I love the messenger style bags...they are SO comfortable! AND they are perfectly sized...not too big, not to small...(as our little tow-headed friend would say) they're juuuuust right! Plus they will be fun to alter, once I get the making of them down pat.

Dreaming of "That's Clever!"...

2006-10-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

Oh my. I can't believe it's true~one of my all time favorite shows on HGTV is coming to Vermont to tape! "That's Clever!" will be here the last week of October and first week of November. How exciting!

I saw the ad in the local paper and had to submit my application. The woman who walked me through the process was so kind and helpful. She said there MAY be a spot or two left and that a decision should be made by the end of the week. Oh my. Can you imagine? Anyone in my family could tell you that this is my childhood dream. I used to make up commercials, taglines, talk shows, etc. My sister, Aimee and I spent HOURS taping "shows" and radio jingles onto tapes (that would be audio tapes...way before VCR's ever came out!). I remember clearly going to the gorgeous Boston Aquarium and my favorite part of the AQUARIUM was an area where they had a video camera and a screen and you could watch yourself doing the evening news. I love this stuff! I've secretly always dreamed of having my own little craft/art show on the local cable network.

Well, I hestitated to post that I was applying on here. I mean, now if I don't make it I will feel so bad that I got your hopes up! But, I suppose it's more important for me to share this excitement than worry about that. Sorry, hope that doesn't seem too selfish...
These photos are some of the projects I submitted. My "theme" was mixed media purses/wall art. I wish I had better things to submit, but everything happened so quickly!

If I make it onto the show, I bet you will all hear my screams of glee from wherever you are in the country.

If you wanted to say a little prayer or cross your fingers, I wouldn't mind a bit...

A Chill in the Air...

2006-10-15T15:23:00.000-05:00

There is a chill in the air...it raises the hair on my arms and creeps down my boots and up into my jacket. I had to scrape my car for the first time this fall just last Friday. Part of me loves it, part of me loathes it. Fall is so unreal to me...I still don't really get how the leaves turn those incredible colors. Pumpkin orange, flaming red, sunlight yellow...how does it all work?

Fall is one of my favorite seasons (spring the other). I love the crispness in the air, the smell of leaves that have turned color, the feeling of warm sun saturating already cold bones. I love snuggling in front of the fireplace and sipping hot cocoa and reading. I love hot baths and settling into the warm burrow of flannel sheets and quilts and bedding.

Halloween is nearly here and since I've been together with my husband (8 years this fall), I have a new appreciation for the spooky and magical feeling that Halloween brings. We have the front porch decorated to the hilt (literally, I can see it glowing orange 4 houses down the street when I get home from work); complete with pumpkin lights, black, flying, scary creatures whose eyes light up red, a strobe light, spider lights...the list goes on. I don't really decorate inside anymore for Halloween, except for this explosion of ribbon and vintage cards I put together today. This ancient metal piece is a pot rack but I adore it over the kitchen table.

Pretty House on the Prairie...

2006-09-27T20:20:00.000-05:00

You know those people who just have great taste? But not just the "Oh, it's expensive" kind of taste...in my opinion anyone with money should be able to have a nice house. I mean the people who really know how to put things together, how to place things just so, how to create a collection without it looking like a big, well, collection. People who decorate on a shoestring but who's homes look like a million bucks?

My sisters are all those kind of people. My two oldest sisters are into the shabby/vintage/cottage style of decorating and there is something about their homes that is so comforting. When I walk into either house I feel like its arms are reaching out and pulling me in for a warm hug. My third sister's house is completely Zen and when I walk into her home my shoulders relax and my breathing slows down. I love the terra cotta walls and the beautiful candles she lights.

My own house feels like it's in transition. First, I was completely into Asian inspired decorating and my own house had sort of a Zen quality to it. But then I found Shabby Chic and traded in my red pillows and water fountains for pretty doilies and neutral palletes. Now I'm...I don't know! I can't really classify what my decorating style is. Wabi Sabi, I guess.

When I was at Celeste's house this weekend, I thought about some of my favorite things there. I took some photos while dinner was being prepared...

Big, Huge, Tiny Dollhouse...

2006-09-23T18:50:00.000-05:00

Aren't dollhouses supposed to be sort of sweet and small, something you can put tiny little miniature furnishings in?

This is my dollhouse:

If you can't tell from the picture, it's quite...large. I would guess it measures nearly 3' across by 2.5' tall, though I don't think I've ever really measured it.

I have a love/hate relationship with this house. I bought it nearly 4 years ago and at the time two of my older sisters were into dollhouses. I'd always wanted one when I was little. My parents actually bought me my "dream" dollhouse, it was pink and had white gingerbread trim...unfortunately, that' s what it looked like on the outside of the box and it was so complicated and there were so many pieces and parts and complicated directions that we never actually got it set up. I think we put up two or three walls...

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to have another house to decorate. This one could be so much more manageable! Everything in doll-land would be orderly and neat, no crumbs on the counter, no laundry, no dirty dishes. BUT as you can see, 4 years after purchasing, I haven't done a lot of, (ahem) improvements around the place. I did paint nearly all the outside. It's butter yellow (actually the same paint left over from the living room!) with black trim. That is my favorite color combination for the exterior of my dream house. The inside is just so wide open, there are hardly any walls so it makes the creation of rooms pretty hard. This actually is quite a lot like my real-life house. There are hardly any walls on the bottom floor so when you walk into the front door there is the living room and you can see all the way to the other end of the house to the landry room! It makes decorating a bit of a trick because everything has to "flow" much better than if there were seperate walls to keep things more, well, seperate!

Anyway, I have no idea what scale this dollhouse is (other than "very large") so I never dare to buy very much furniture for it. I actually don't like most of the furniture in there now, but it came with the house so I've kept it. I really hate the fabric/style of the canopy bed. Icky.

Here is a little hutch that I also don't really like, but I LOVE all my miniature food! Check out the tiny jar of canned peaches! The lettuce I made from polymer clay and the cans are a mishmash of canned veggies and dog food. They often fall off the cabinet and roll all throughout the house.

Somewhere I have a tiny little mouse and I have a miniature sewing set with tiny bobbins of thread, dress patterns and a pin cushion complete with pins.

I am working on painting some furniture this weekend. If you are into dollhouses at all, (or even if you aren't) you may get a kick out of this site: http://hauntednminiature.blogspot.com/
It's a HAUNTED dollhouse, all ready for halloween~Fun!

The Thing About Being Sick...

2006-09-19T20:10:00.000-05:00

I don't feel good. Yesterday morning I had some very, let's say, yucky symptoms and have been down for the count since. I didn't go to work yesterday. I debated whether or not I should suck it up and try to make it in, but in the end my tummy won and I stayed home. It was very strange being home in the middle of the week. Strange and wonderful. I only wish that the weather hadn't been so nice and sunny and warm. I don't like being sick. I especially don't like to be sick when the weather is so freaking nice. It's hard to curl up and really concentrate on my sickness with the soft, warm breeze playing with the curtains..hard to really focus on the "ugh" factor when the sun is shining so brightly and it seems like everyone in the whole neighborhood (doesn't anyone work around here?) is outside doing home improvement projects or taking slow afternoon strolls around town.

Luckily for me, Fat Boy (as seen to the left) seemed to sense how icky I was feeling. He followed me around from kitchen to living room to bedroom and slept next to me, all curled up near my side while I napped. This is rare for him. Spazzi, his sister is constantly after us to pet her, play with her, curl up on us, etc., but Fat Boy is not really too interested in what we are doing, unless we are eating fish. Then he loves us.

I know I was only alone for the day, but it felt really, really good to have him just, CARE about me. I remember when I was younger and lived alone out of state, completely away from my family or anyone that I knew really, I came down with this flu and I just thought how sad it was, how completely and utterly sad that there wasn't anyone who would check my fever or go and get me cough medicine. I lay in my bed with a fever and thought about the safety of trying to drive to the store for medicine. I felt utterly, completely alone.

Yesterday, I was thinking (in my morbid, overly obsessive worrisome way) what if I just died? I mean, I don't think I'm THAT sick, but who knows? Especially after hearing all the warnings about spinach and e coli...I mean SPINACH? Who knew that something that is supposed to be so healthy and wonderfully full of vitamins and nutrients could make anyone so sick? It really got me worried. I mean, I worry CONSTANTLY, but this was a new and bigger worry to worry about. Who really knows? Not likely, but still.

So, anyway one great thing that came out of my being sick was that for the whole day yesterday I felt free. I didn't have one pressing thing, not one expectation on me. I can't clean the house, I'm sick. No doing laundry. No trying to create anything. No accomplishing anything at all. I laid in bed after my mid-morning nap and stared out my window at the tree outside that is just beginning to turn. I spent some time focusing on how blue the sky was and how soft the clouds looked up there, suspended over us like white scarves strewn about. It was kinda nice. But I'm glad I'm getting better (I hope).

1 Down, 483 to Go...

2006-09-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever imagine that you live in TV land? I'll be the first to admit that I go through periods when I'm obsessed with HGTV shows, specifically the craft and home decorating/renovating shows. And somehow, deep in the recesses of my brain, things start to change. I start to imagine myself completing projects in the 2.5 minutes they are completed on HGTV. I start to imagine myself floating around my house with my own sparkly magic fairy wand and presto! A little wall here seperating the laundry room from the kitchen as I've always wanted! Beautiful draping curtains there! A new silky bedspread (never mind that our cats would shred it on it's first day in our house), new hardwood floors in the living room to replace the ratty and poorly installed beige carpet there!

I have to be honest here...I practice "alternate thinking" in more areas of my life than I would like to admit. But one area that is particuarly noticeable is the area of old furniture and other possibilities (or "junk" as my husband says) that I bring home intending to wave my magic wand over. Old chairs are one of my downfalls, mostly wooden ones as I don't have any idea how to re-upholster anything, though I have been known to drag home one or two of the uphostered kind also. Small tables, old picture frames, desks, bookshelves, chairs, chairs and more chairs. I have loaded up my side of the basement and some of our old barn with these little treasures. It's gotten so bad that people will ask me now if I want something before they bring it to the dump! That has to be a bad sign. (sigh)

Anyway, when a friend recently moved out of state, she offered me all sorts of goodies that she didn't want to take with her. One item was this cute little student desk above. I loved it! I've always wanted a little desk to use for bill paying, letter writing, etc. We have a big, huge desk in the living room which the computer is on, but it takes up so much space there is little room left for any type of writing without rearranging everthing on top.

I started the sanding/repainting process about 2 weeks ago. Now for most people, two weeks to finish a project like this isn't maybe so bad. But, of course you can imagine, in my TV land mind-set I was hopping around with my magic wand, wondering what in the world was taking so long. I mean, on Decorating Cents or Freestyle this desk re-do would have taken mere minutes, not hours! Oh, the disappointment of living in the real world.

Regardless, I'm quite pleased with my new little desk and think that new paint and knobs really make it stand out. I chose Toasted Almond for the paint and used a satin finish rather than flat which I prefer on furniture.

So, there you have it. 1 desk down, 483 more projects to complete~now where did I put that wand?

Can It Have Been So Long?

2006-09-15T04:54:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been since August 28th that I've written! I'm so sorry kids...is anyone still out there? I knew it had been awhile, but I have been in this sort of creative funk. I know, I know. You are saying to yourself "Well, it's just a blog for pitys sake! It's not like she's painting Mona Lisa-esq works of art!" And you would be right. But I'm afraid my funk has reached new levels of, well, funkiness. I haven't spent an ounce of time, not one teeny, tiny minute in my art room. In fact, I think I should stop calling it an art room. Maybe "dropping off point for things that don't belong anywhere else spot" would be more appropriate. My new creative space is in this open area at the top of the stairs and I have to pass through it to get to my bedroom each and every night. But, I usually walk through with the lights off. I mean, I don't really want to see all the unfinished projects. Nothing is inspiring me in there these days, not even my fun little box of found elements, not the pretty bottles of paint, not even the stacks of fabrics with all their different textures and colors.

Ah well, such is the life of the creative person as my oldest sister tells me.

At least, as you can see above, I have not let my dinner table fall into complete disarray. I picked up this book about romantic living by Barbara Taylor Bradford a few weeks ago and it made something inside stir a little. I remember what that feels like! I thought to myself several times when reading chapters on treating oneself to fresh flowers, delicious chocolate and bubble baths. I can remember a time when I was very, very good to myself and my darling husband and would prepare treats like this candlelit dinner, fun surprises and decadent treats just on a whim. Just because it was fun and brought me happiness. That is a kind of creativity I think I can manage right now.

A Change of Heart?

2006-08-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

I wonder if, just maybe I'm pushing too hard. I wonder if all this fantasizing about the perfect job, the RIGHT career, is pushing rather than pulling toward what I want? I was sitting at work today thinking about how much of my life I give up worrying/planning/dreaming about the career I'm meant for, the one out there waiting just for me. What could I do with all that time I spend on these fantasies? What would I gain by ridding myself of this obsession?

I would have much more free time. I would feel less like a worrywart and more like a fun human being. I wouldn't worry about how every little idea I have might make me rich and famous, and completely fulfilled. I would spend more time living in the present, and less dreaming about the future; how bright and golden it will be then. How great it will be later. How much fun I will have once this job thing is sorted out.

But what about the negatives? Well, I worry that I would lose all motivation and inspiration. What is the point of trying all these things just for me? Deep down it doesn't feel right, doesn't feel constructive to make pretty things or learn new skills unless they will serve me in some career. What a strange concept! What about the pleasure and joy that learning new things will bring me?

Part of me is absolutely terrified to just let go, even for awhile and see what happens. I'm scared to stop pushing and obsessing and fretting and worrying. It's a huge part of me and I'm not quite sure what I would do without it. But I will try to find out...

Clean and Comfy...

2006-08-21T06:06:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking, yet again, how much I love my home and how grateful I am for simple things. I love, love, love slow weekend mornings when I pad around in bare feet in the kitchen, mixing up blueberry muffins or whole wheat waffles. I like to listen to old music, sometimes in French (Edith Piaf is my new love), or old jazz and big band records on my ancient record player. I love to tidy up and get everything all clean and sparkly and then, finally, I feel like I can relax and breathe deeply again. There is something about clutter and things lying around that makes me crazy. I cannot fully relax and let go unless my surroundings are relatively orderly.

I especially love cool mornings when, after cleaning the kitchen and baking something yummy, I can curl up on the couch with a pet or two, spread a fuzzy blanket over us to cuddle up in, and enjoy reading a good book or magazine while sipping my flavored decaf (usually French Vanilla, but sometimes Hazelnut). I run my little water fountain and turn on just the low table lamps and snuggle in. Ahhhh...domestic bliss!

The Starting and Stopping of Things...

2006-08-17T06:09:00.000-05:00

Why is it that I have such a difficult time finishing things? I get so full of fire-no force on earth could remove me from my current obsession...whatever that might be. Making purses, altered art, painting, writing, starting businesses (I've begun two and neither made it much further than the 1 year mark). Why, why, why do I get SO enthralled and excited about something, imagining myself doing this, succeeding at that, giving an award acceptance speech when my NEW idea or product just catches fire and spreads itself throughout the nation...then...I give up. Or if not, I peter out, lose motivation, set it aside for awhile and sometime never get back to it.

I hate this part of me that is an unfinisher. I feel sometimes that I'm daydreaming my life away. I dream and plan and imagine...but what do I do about any of it? I'm scared to begin something because I never can count on myself to finish it properly. I'm afraid to get held down at a job because then I might actually be responsible for showing up and doing the work day after boring day, trapped in a cell of files and ringing phones and people with annoying requests.

I'm tired of it. I'm sick to death of beginning a thing and not seeing it through. I'm tired of all this imagining perfection and seeing less-than-perfect reality. This has to be a sickness, and I just have to find a way to cure myself.

Somerset Submission...

2006-08-15T06:22:00.000-05:00

Ok everyone~here it is! This is the piece that I created for Somerset Studio involving a favorite female literary figure. As I posted before, I absolutely love Emily Dickinson and I based this creation on one of my favorite poems of her's called "Funeral in my Brain". It took me awhile to get this together, but I'm pretty happy with the end product. The submission deadline isn't for awhile yet, but I am going to try to get this out in the mail pretty soon (it's making me nervous, looking at it!).

I used a mini-cigar box for the container and cut away parts of sides to make it look more like a hardcover book. I've used found objects (glass, brass ring, etc.) to give it an interesting twist...and I used this antique marooon velvet because (sigh) my macabre side just thought it looked perfect to line a casket. When I finished the first stage it looked way too dreary...I'm usually very colorful in my creations, so it was hard to do all this black and maroon. I added in the yellow after, to give some contrast.

It was so fun putting this together, and it makes it more...I don't know, special/fun/exciting thinking that other people are going to see it and that it might, just maybe possibly, have a chance at being chosen for the magazine. Keep your fingers crossed!

Where Does the Weekend Go?

2006-08-13T20:12:00.000-05:00

My~the weekend just flew by and, what do you know, it's Sunday night and I have a tiny sore throat and am secretly a little happy that it's almost time for bed...and Yum! Fresh sheets! But hopefully will be feeling better by tomorrow morning as I absolutely HAVE to go to work. I have no sick time yet and I don't want to take a day without pay. Plus I would feel too embarrassed to call in after only three days!

I had such a lovely weekend, even though I've been feeling more tired than ususal. My Dad said that it's probably just the stress of the new job and getting into my new schedule...I suppose that's it.

I made my sister, Faith, a really cool birthday card but I gave it to her without taking a picture of it first! It was totally cute~I used a color copy of a photo of her around age 10 and then decorated it with a little crown, a pearl necklace and matching earrings....it was cute! I also included this quote, "Your life is a canvas, only you can paint on it."Well, something like that.

The book above is an altered book that I made a long time ago. I'm working on another one now, but felt too lazy to take photos tonight. I spent a lot of time in the sun today and I don't know, something about the sun just saps the energy from my bones. The rest of me as well. I hope that this week will be filled with many laughs, good times, and hot cocoa. Love to you all...

A New Job...

2006-08-10T17:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I had quite a busy start to my week! I got a call for an interview at an architectural firm for the position of marketing assistant/front desk assistant. I went for the interview, got the job and started yesterday~it was a whirlwind! This is through a temp agency and I was SO pleased to get something in the design/marketing field, as well as something that is temp to hire. If it works out well and I like it and they like me, then in just over 3 months I could be hired on as staff. This week has been just crazy...the girl who is leaving the job is trying to train me (about 2 years worth of information in 2 days) and I feel so...depleted in the evenings. But I think it will be interesting and challenging, once I actually know what I'm doing and feel slightly competent. I wish she was staying though! It would be fun to work with someone who is so positive and full of energy.

Most days, I must admit, I feel about 50+ and can hardly make it through a workday anymore without a few daydreams about a little nappy helping me through the afternoon. But daydreams are all they are, as I'm now at work during nap time. I miss working at home and getting most of my work done super early, then retiring for a short nap with Peeka and Spazzi and Magoo for an afternoon siesta...but I'm extremely grateful for this new job and will try hard to make a go of it.

I have to say though, that my dreams of becoming a graphic designer are causing me have second thoughts. I see some of the work that the graphic designer, a very chic young woman at this office does, and it doesn't seem as appealing and exciting or creative as I had imagined. Anyway, I'm planning to sign up for Graphic Design I this fall, and hopefully find out more about this field. My ultimate goal would be to work freelance, or possibly in a part-time job and do something else the rest of the time, but it takes a lot of experience and talent to do this.

And now, it's off for some quiet reading and maybe a quick walk with the little Peeka-pooch before I start to get ready for bed...getting up at 5:30 is more of a struggle each day!

Cheers!

New Altered Endeavor...

2006-08-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

When I went to visit my sister Celeste, I picked up a hardcover book at the library in the free pile and set to work creating a new altered art book. I haven't done one of these in awhile and I'm really excited to play with all these pages! Lately I've been working with children's board books which are fun, but it's nice to have the pages themselves to play with. I like making some into envelopes and pockets and cut others to put tags on etc. I haven't decided if I want to run one theme throughout the book or differing themes in each section. If I choose one theme, I'm thinking of a different inspirational word for each area. For example: Hope, Love, Peace, Happiness, etc. We'll see how it turns out! I'll keep you updated on my progress...

A Tiny Break from Reality...

2006-08-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, I packed up the car, kissed the pets goodbye, and headed out to see my oldest sister a few hours away. We had been talking about getting together for an "art day" for a long time, and finally we just picked a date and stuck with it.

What an incredible time I had, away from my (temporary) problems and a break from the reality that is my daily life. Now, in no way am I complaining about this reality; there are so many things that are absolutely and wonderfully perfect in my life~I'm so grateful for them all! But, like anyone else I too have those little bumps in the road; right now being a bit of a low spot, I was extremely happy to leave my problems behind and head out on a cool and rainy morning with no bigger decision to make for the day than the flavor of coffee to choose. I was thankful it was rainy and a little chilly...so much nicer to drive feeling slightly cool, enjoying a warm cup of decaf than sweating hot, sitting in the blazing sun while one arm sunburns and the other is left perpetually as white as baking flour.

I puttered along, thinking of all sorts of career and relational issues, and then, halfway into my drive thought "This is a mini-VACATION, try to get into the mindset!" so I popped in my Shakira CD and blasted all of the problems and "the stupid people" right out of my little blonde head. It was refreshing. And very loud. Very, very loud.

My sister Celeste spoiled me with a delicious lunch, homemade biscotti (which I've been craving for the past 10 days but have been too hot to make), and the adorable gifts above, all tucked into a pretty pink bag. I was nearly in tears with gratitude. It feels so good to be taken care of, doesn't it? After lunch we spent some time re-arranging her home studio where she works as the editor for a magazine and spends some of her free time creating altered art. We made good progress I think. Sometimes all it takes is moving some things around to create some "blank" spaces which makes a room feel completely different and energized. We spent most of today scouring lawnsales for treasures (I bought a beautiful cream colored vintage "Jackie" dress and a funky black vintage skirt...complete with a rhinestone button), and then played with our altered art projects at a cool scrapbooking store where they let us use all sorts of their supplies for FREE! It was so much fun!

And, aren't THESE little suitcases adorable? My sister Aimee gave me these fun little striped cases which have the most beautiful and bright poppies on the fronts~I LOVE vibrant color! These bright stripes are my new favorite. She also gave me a funky new sushi set, as my darling husband and I are becoming quite the sushi connoisseurs. We like to make our own and now we have the tiny sage green platters with even tinier square "sauce dishes" and pretty new chopsticks to make us feel like we really know what we are doing!

A Mug Like No Other...

2006-08-01T16:57:00.000-05:00

I can't believe this happened. I just don't want to think that it can be true, that it was ME who did it. It was over so quickly; I was just transferring it from the cool rinse water into the dishdrainer and then, the distinctive clink-hiss of pottery breaking. Aimee and I have spoken of this, but not now, not today.

This may look like just a regular old stoneware mug but it is so much more! There is this strange sort of connection I feel with the two mugs my sister, Aimee, sent me from Korea. She was there as an ESL teacher and both of these mugs made it all those thousands of miles without breaking. I didn't think too much of them when I first saw them (oh, that's nice!) and put them in the cupboard with all the other matchless mugs. But soon I began to understand her secret obsession with these mugs. They fit my hand just right, like the potter had cast my hand and made the mug to sit just so within my palm and fingers. They are thick and heavy (like good chocolate and ice cream) and they keep my coffee, cocoa and tea steamy on cool autum evenings and crisp winter afternoons. The mugs are just the right thickness around the rim too. Ceramic mugs are too thin, they don't offer enough room to blow directly into your drink, pushing the steam up to warm a cold nose. The mugs aren't too thick either, making you feel like you are putting a horse bit into your mouth. They are just perfect.

Now, to be completely honest: Aimee sent this green mug to me and a seperate mug to my-then-finace (now husband). But I coveted his mug. It's cream colored with little hand-painted autum leaves on it and it is just a tad smaller and just a tiny bit lighter. I never actually asked to trade mugs, I just started using his and serving him his Saturday morning coffee in the larger green mug. He would sometimes fight me for his mug, but most of the time was too bleary-eyed to put up much of a fuss (that's the downside of being a night owl, I suppose). Meanwhile, I would be up at 6:00 a.m. Saturday mornings and quickly claim the cream mug for myself, chuckling in my ability to out-do my husband in this one, very small arena. (Ha! You might be a fantastic musician, a well-coordinated athlete and superior at diagnosing small, funny sounds in my car...but who's drinking out of the cream mug this morning, huh?)

But now....there is nothing here. I don't think that this handle can be fixed and I feel so sad that it happened. Stupid cheapo dishgloves! I knew I should have gone with my regular brand but no! I HAD to have these stupid coral colored gloves because I was just so tired of my regular old yellow ones~see where that got me?

Oh dear! I hear my husband stirring on the couch! I have to hide the remains and try to see what can be salvaged tomorrow while he is at work. Do you think there is any chance he wouldn't notice a missing handle?

Where or Where, Can my new Job be?

2006-08-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

Ok, I just told my friend Suzanne who hasn't been to my blog yet, that I never talk about work on here. BUT I just have to make this one exception.

I'm currently looking for a new job/career/calling and I find that thinking about it is just there. It's not something I purposefully have to think about, it's just always on the back burner of my inner mind-stove. Sometimes I feel like it's about to boil over (when I let my inner obsessive-compulsive nature take over) and other times it is like a slow simmer, barely bubbling.

The problem is this: I love being creative. I love working part-time at home/alone and part-time with nice/creative/funny people. However, in all my many jobs, I've never seemed to find that mix. Oh, yes, and let's not forget that I also like to be paid enough to buy groceries for my darling, myself and my furry little friends... and maybe have a little treat once a week or so. Is that too much to ask? Oh, and also I would like to travel while I'm still young enough to get around. And I would like a Vespa scooter and stockade fencing for my yard. But really. Is that too much to ask???

There are always certain parts of my jobs that I have hated and other parts I really liked. Well, ok. To be honest some jobs I've just hated for the most part. But really, there have been some great pieces of past jobs. For example: I worked as a case manager for the elderly and I loved the freedom of setting my own schedule, being on the road most of the day and the variety of the work. Plus for the most part, I felt like I was really helping people. I didn't really care for the death/dying/end of life issues and stressed out family members who decided that I would make the absolute perfect whipping boy (or girl, as the case may be). I also had a really hard time dealing with the emergency abuse cases, etc. And so, burned out by case management and other people's problems, I decided after 3 years of CM that, secretarial work wasn't so bad.

Just thinking about all the different jobs I've had makes my head swim. Since I started working at age 15 here is a condensed list:
Babysitter, data entry clerk, flyer folder (hey, I needed gas money!), dishwasher, buffet hostess, salad girl, house cleaner, video store clerk, clothing store clerk, secretary, veterinary assistant, daycare aide, secretary for DUI program (that was fun!), case manager, eligibility specialist, dog groomer (2 days and dogs tried to bite/sit on me!), medical transcriptionist, and office assitant. I think I'm forgetting some... That is 19 jobs in 14 years which averages 1.357 jobs per year! Of course, a lot of these were summer or part-time positions (thank God!). It does make me wonder though....Is my perfect career possibly, just maybe, being on vacation?

Miss Emily Dickinson...

2006-07-31T19:01:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite poems that Emily Dickinson wrote was "I felt a Funeral in my Brain". I discovered this poem and E.D. in my high school English class in the 10th grade. I had a friend named Tiff and we were both a little into macabre. Today, I guess we would be called goth, but this was an unknown term at that time.

I memorized this poem back then, but I only remembered 3 verses today. I looked up the poem so that you could read it all:

"I felt a funeral in my brain, and mourners to and fro, kept treading, treading till it seemed that sense was breaking through.

And when they were all seated, a service like a drum, kept beating, beating till I felt my mind were going numb.

And then I heard them lift a box and creak across my soul, with those same boots of lead again, then space began to toll.

As all the Heavens were a bell, and being, but an ear, and I in silence some strange race wrecked solitary here.

And then a plank in reason broke, and I dropped down and down, and hit a world at at every plunge and finished knowing then..."

I love this poem because of the way it ends, and because of the mystery and beauty of it. A lot of people think that thinking or talking or wondering about death is morbid, but I think that it helps us to remember to LIVE and not take things/people/events for granted.

A Perfect Summer Day...

2006-07-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

Today is one of those perfect Vermont summer days. It's breezy and cool and the sun is shining so brightly that it feels warm and and liquid all at once. It's absolutely perfect, down to the fresh clean smell of cut grass and a hint of woodsmoke.

I've been feeling a little uncreative lately, though yesterday I did start a little project for a Somerset Studio contest that is coming up this fall. It's on women literary figures and I'm doing a project inspired by Emily Dickinson who is my very favorite poet. I can't tell you too much about it, because I haven't sorted out just what I'm doing yet. I hope it will come out well!

This weekend I have been putting the final cleaning/organizational touches on my front porch, which used to house my little vintage decor shop. It was sad to pack everything up and go through all the charming things I've accumulated to sell, but it also feels like the right decision and ending one thing always allows room for the beginning of the next adventure. I'm anxious to see what that might be!

Fresh Painted Tomato...

2006-07-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

Sorry, I can't believe I haven't posted since the 8th~yikes! This month is FLYING by...I have been off work since July 14th and will be going back tomorrow. I'm betting it will be a hard transition, which is probably why I've been feeling a little sad today...

Anyway, here is a picture of a painting I made of a pretty red tomato. One thing I LOVE about painting and drawing is that it makes you really SEE things, things you normally might not even notice. With watercolor painting in particular, you have to be really careful to "leave the white in" while you are painting. "Real" watercolor painters supposedly look down on using the white watercolor paint in any form. It's hard to do this though!

I just posted this painting, along with some other things on my Etsy shop (http://chicchickbiz.etsy.com). I've also been working on some really pretty sparkly earrings that I'll be posting there soon...check it out!

This painting of the tomato made me think of my vegetable garden which is not doing quite so well this year. I think I should have composted again, but put my seeds in so late that I didn't take the time to do it. We are just now getting a few "Yellow Gold" cherry tomatos~they are completely delicious though, so I shouldn't complain. Well, it will just give me more of a chance to visit the local farmer's market and nearly-organic farmstand nearby.

Hope you all have a relaxing Sunday evening and a wonderful start to your week tomorrow.

Feminine? Mes Oui!

2006-07-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

I had a fashion "Aha" moment this week. My wardrobe has gotten pretty easy lately (i.e. comfortable and BORING). For my job I don't have to dress up much at all, jeans are allowed and people at work just don't seem to be into fashion. I have taken up this sort of fashion-less attitude and have been grabbing whatever is comfortable and clean in the morning.

But last week when I was looking through some old photos of myself (from about 9 years ago), I noticed how much more stylish I was. I had all these cute dresses and fun little tops and did a lot with accessories. Of course, at the time I was living alone and didn't have much to pay for other than my apartment and basic necessities. Now it seems like I'm always trying to stretch dollars (of my own free will) because I don't want my life to be about STUFF and cleaning/organizing/keeping track of THINGS. Plus I hate to look back and see nothing where there was once money in the bank or in my wallet, it's depressing! On the other hand it doesn't hurt to splurge now and again, does it?

I should mention that "splurge" to me means a $15 dress or a new top for under $10 but hey, it's all relative. So I bought a pretty brown dress last night and wore it today. I LOVE it! I feel so pretty and free in it. I love the feeling of the sun on my knees while I'm driving and the breeze making the skirt blow out just a little walking through the farmer's market. Besides, I find dresses and skirts much more flattering to nearly any female form than shorts.

That lead me to this altered journal/sketch book that I made today. I wanted something FUN and pretty and feminine. I had a lot of fun coloring in the black and white transfer of the vintage lady with colored pencils and then embellishing the rest of the book. Fun!

Special Order Purse...

2006-07-06T18:46:00.000-05:00

Last week my dear sister Aimee and I went shopping for fabric to make her a new purse. She described what she wanted and I knew, I just knew the perfect fabric was at Joann's. I've been aching to try out one of the bright colored canvas fabrics, but couldn't make up my mind which would make a best summer purse for me. Luckily, Aimee knew just the one she wanted as soon as she saw the bright stripes.

We picked out this summery, candy striped fabric and some nice sturdy interfacing. I had the pretty bamboo handles from another purse project that went awry. (I'm never sure what to DO with the purses that end up, shall we say, less than perfect so I'm collecting them in a pile in my craft room). I added the lining (crisp white muslin) and some interior pockets to hold her cell phone and compact.

I love making bags. I haven't made any in quite awhile and was happy to get this request. Now I'll have to send her off with a fistful of my business cards, in case she gets inquiries!

A Charmed Life...

2006-07-04T06:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos of the charms I finished yesterday. Did I mention how fun they are to make? :) My intention is to make them into necklaces and/or charms for a funky bracelet (these examples are too big though). The hard part will be putting them together as I'm not a jeweler, but I'm sure I'll come up with something. If not, I can always use them in my altered art pieces.

PS-Voyer, thanks for the tip on the camera. I had that function but thought I should try some better lighting (kitchen). It seems to have worked!

Paper or Plastic?

2006-07-03T09:29:00.000-05:00

I LOVE altered art of any kind: Fabrics and bits of ribbon, buttons, embellishments and more. I love creating little artistic altered purses and wall art (check out my etsy shop for samples). But as much as I love fabric and all things textile, my first love would have to be paper. I absolutely love paper! Walking through the scrapbooking store is like walking through a flower shop~beautiful colors and textures; all that's missing is the fragrance of flowers! I love paper arts because of the immediate results and the way it forgives. If you screw something up in sewing, it can take a long time to undo your mistake and then redo your project. If you make a mistake in a collage, you just glue something on it! No one is the wiser and often times that is when the prettiest things happen.

I was at Joanns (one of my favorite haunts) yesterday with one of my sisters and flipped through a few of the altered art magazines. I had a tough decision to make, "Belle Amour" had a fantastic spread on altered tote bags and a fun article on making "tiles" for jewelry out of shrink plastic (aka "Shrinky Dink" sheets). But "Somerset Studios" had so many great looking projects that I couldn't put it back on the shelf. I read through the article I was interested in on the shrink plastic project, just to get the general idea, then picked up a package of "Shrinky Dink" and some jump rings and got ready to learn the basics from the instructions on the package.

Well, I cannot tell you how much fun I have had with this project this morning! I got up early and savored all the beautiful photos of incredible projects that artists sent in to Somerset, then I went for my walk, had breakfast with my dear hubby and dived in. This is my kind of project! It's so immediate, cheap, quick and so much fun! I absolutely love shrink plastic!

I can post directions on the blog if anyone is interested. Today I worked on some charms and later I will post pictures of the final jewelry project. I wish the photo of the charm I'm posting had come out better...photography is not my strong suite, yet. If you like the project idea, you should get the "Belle Amour" issue though, the creators pieces are beautiful. I'm more of a fly-by-my-pants sort of gal, so I'm much happier working from a general idea than a set of step by step instructions.

So, the next time someone asks me "Paper or Plastic?" I'm really going to have to put some thought into my answer!

New Crafty Art Space...

2006-06-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

I was laying in bed last night, thinking about all the topics I want to post about here in my little corner of the country, my sweet little blog. It's so exciting to read new comments and check out the blogs of visitors. I love blogs because they allow you to feel so connected, so in touch with people you otherwise wouldn't know exsisted, and vise-versa. I live in a tiny little town in New England, and believe me, I don't meet a lot of new people in my work or personal life. Of course, this could be because I keep myself so busy in my own little self-contained world that I haven't made a new friend since high school (with the exception of my dear friend, Pam, whom I met at my previous job). I think there might be something wrong with me. I'm perfectly content to be nearly friendless! Of course, I do have three older sisters and we are closer than close, so I suppose I just don't take the intitiative to meet new women friends. Geesh, this isn't coming out very well at all. I am trying to say how much I appreciate and enjoy "meeting" new people here via my blog and others that I visit, and instead I sound like a grumpy hermit!

Well, hopefully (if you are still reading) you will forgive my faux pas and see the underlying message: I like meeting new people! I like friends! I like you! :)

Anyway, lets just get on with it shall we?

So, the picture above is a photo in my new craft/art room. You know, I can't ever just say "ART" room because I don't really think of myself as an artist. Creative? Yes. Dabbler? Yes. Artistically inclined? Perhaps. But ARTIST is so scary and professional sounding. Anyway, we recently moved rooms all around the house: The dining room became my husband's band room (he's an EXCELLENT drummer), the dining room table is awaiting storage departure and is left stranded on the front porch, my craft room was moved up to my husband's previous band room and we now have an empty bedroom where my craft/art room used to be. Whew! It's exhausting to write and believe me, more exhausting to move it all!

I would love to post more pictures of my new room, but it's still in a bit of disarray. Also, I just noticed when I took this picture, that my hubby's old cymbal clock is still on my wall. I wonder if he's been missing it?

Playing with Altered Art...

2006-06-26T14:13:00.000-05:00

Today was a day off work for me...I love days off! I was secretly pleased that it was rainy and chilly out~no excuse needed why I couldn't work out in the yard, why I didn't want to spend time lounging on the beach. I have been looking forward to getting my hands sticky and smeared with paint and glue for some time, and today I finally got the chance to play.

The top left photo is the front cover of the new altered board book I'm working on...I made the Mona Lisa figure with a clay transfer technique and added some beads and wire to put her together. The photo on the right is one of the page layouts...the book's theme is following your dreams and taking time to listen to yourself, something that is very near and dear to me.